In a world where forgiveness doesn’t come easy, God’s peace works in mysterious ways. While incarcerated in a youth detention center, 20-year-old Daniel (Bartosz Bielenia) experiences a spiritual awakening. He wants to study for the priesthood, but his criminal record deems it impossible. When he is temporarily released to work at a sawmill, Daniel decides to change his fate and begins impersonating a clergyman. Soon, unexpected circumstances lead him to fill in at a small parish and to help the community heal after a terrible tragedy. Despite the fact that “Father Tom” gives some unusual sermons and occasionally uses his smartphone to brush up on his ecclesiastical knowledge, his charisma and passion provide balm to those in mourning. After the intimate drama Suicide Room and the WWII epic Warsaw ‘44, director Jan Komasa takes on a contemporary tale inspired by a true story. Talented young lead Bielenia impresses with an intense and physical performance.

Winner: Best Actor, Chicago; Best Actor, Stockholm; Label Europa Cinemas — Best Film, Venice

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize

Director Jan Komasa, screenwriter Mateusz Pacewicz, director of photography Piotr Sobocinski Jr., and actor Bartosz Bielenia are expected to be in attendance on January 7, 8, and 9.