“Under the Volcano”, interview with the director Damian Kocur

At Alice nella Città, Damian Kocur, the director of “Under the Volcano“, shared insights into his film during an interview with FRED Film Radio. The film, which is in competition, follows a Ukrainian family vacationing in Tenerife when the war in Ukraine suddenly breaks out. Stranded due to cancelled flights, the family faces an unsettling contrast between the island paradise and the war-induced refugee crisis back home.

A Personal Reflection on Helplessness

Kocur explained how the film reflects his feelings during the onset of the war despite not experiencing it firsthand. “I didn’t want to tell a story about the war itself,” Kocur noted. “I don’t have the moral right to talk about war because I didn’t experience it. But I shared the same feelings of helplessness as my characters, being in a safe place when the conflict began.”

Balancing Humor and Tragedy

“Under the Volcano“ portrays the clash between a vacation setting and the devastating consequences of war. Kocur explained the balance of humour and intensity in the film, saying, “Even in tragic moments, funny things happen. This is the craziness of life.” He believes humour is an important storytelling tool, even in serious contexts, reflecting life’s absurdities in the face of hardship.

Working with Non-Professional Actors

Damian Kocur also discussed his unique approach to directing, particularly his preference for working with non-professional actors. He believes it creates a more authentic and unpolished performance, stating, “I don’t like films where I can recognize actors from previous roles. It seems more real to me when they are people I don’t know, and they have this ‘un-acting’ quality.”

Symbolism and the Volcano

The volcano’s looming presence in Tenerife is a powerful metaphor in the film, representing both personal and geopolitical tensions. “The volcano may not erupt often, but everyone knows it will one day, just as war can come unexpectedly,” Damian Kocur reflected. The sense of imminent eruption parallels the characters’ internal conflicts and the larger political situation.

Oscar Nomination and Kocur’s Perspective

“Under the Volcano“ has been nominated as Poland’s candidate for the Oscars, a significant achievement for Kocur. Despite this honour, he modestly commented, “It’s a very slow film, hiding more than it shows. It’s not an Oscar movie, but it’s about important topics in a way Hollywood rarely explores.”

Plot