THE PAWNSHOP

Jola and Wiesiek are a pair of eccentric businessmen from Bytom. Together with their three employees they run probably the biggest pawnshop in Europe. However, the time of its glory has passed with the closure of nearby mines and growing unemployment in the city. Deprived of a livelihood, the inhabitants of “Polish Detroit” pawn increasingly absurd and useless objects. Neither Wiesiek’s crazy marketing ideas nor Jola’s tender heart can help the failing business. She supports her clients not only with a kind word but also with hot soup or a warm coat. Although the pawnshop brings losses, it becomes an important center of life for the local community. Soon, however, it finds itself on the brink of bankruptcy, and Jola and Wiesiek’s relationship is put to the test. With disaster looming, the owners make one last attempt to save their business and their love.

ŁUKASZ KOWALSKI
Director, journalist, creator of television programs. He graduated from the Department of Philology at the University of Silesia in Katowice with a degree in Social Communication. He is also a graduate of the Wajda School in Warsaw. Since 2007 professionally associated with Polish Television. Author of over 170 short documentary films and intervention and investigative reportages broadcast on TVP1, TVP2, and TVP Info. Since 2018 involved in television and film production as co-owner of “4:30 Pictures”, a small production company based in Katowice. He participated in many master classes, workshops, and professional trainings (also abroad) in the field of media and film direction.