2022,
Kim Lee,
Lulla La Polaca,
Poland,
Polish,
Director: Bogna Kowalczyk
Release Year: 2022
Synopsis:
"Boylesque" (2022), a documentary directed by Bogna Kowalczyk, is an exploration of resilience and identity, centered on the life of Andrzej Szwan, an 82-year-old Polish man who performs as Lulla La Polaca. This engaging film captures Szwan’s unique journey, presenting him not merely as an individual navigating the challenges of LGBT life in Poland but as a figure of resistance and vitality amidst a politically uncertain landscape.
His story unfolds against the backdrop of Poland's tumultuous relationship with LGBT rights, yet the focus remains on Szwan’s continued passion for performing and his role as an activist, making the film much more than a typical biographical documentary.
Kowalczyk’s approach is deliberate in highlighting Szwan’s unwavering engagement with life, rather than solely focusing on the adversities he faces as an openly gay individual in a country where LGBT rights are often under threat. The film transcends a simplistic portrayal of struggle and instead showcases a man whose vitality and determination remain intact, even as time advances and physical limitations emerge.
The documentary premiered at the 2022 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, where Kowalczyk received the Emerging International Filmmaker Award.
The narrative follows Andrzej Szwan, who, at 82 years old, continues to perform in drag as Lulla La Polaca, a character he’s carefully crafted over the years. Despite his age, Szwan’s love for life and the stage has not waned. He is a lover of Marilyn Monroe and flamenco dancer La Polaca, whose influence can be seen in his stage persona. Though his professional life was mostly kept private for many years due to the oppressive political climate in Poland-especially during the communist era-he began performing publicly only after 2010, thanks to the encouragement of Polish drag legend Kim Lee (Andy Nguyen).
Throughout "Boylesque", we witness Szwan as he transitions from his quiet, dignified life in everyday clothes-black trousers, a white shirt-into his glamorous alter ego: a sparkling, tight-fitting dress, high heels, a wig, and elaborate makeup. This transformation, which occurs repeatedly throughout the film, encapsulates the duality of Szwan’s existence: a man balancing the quiet realities of old age with the vibrant, ever-glamorous world of drag.
Kowalczyk employs a non-linear narrative structure that reflects the complexity and multifaceted nature of life itself. The scenes are shuffled like a deck of cards, reflecting the unpredictability and beauty of Szwan’s journey. At one moment, Szwan is shown preparing for a performance-applying makeup and selecting an outfit - while in another, he is contemplating his own funeral arrangements, searching for an urn that will be as bold and unique as he is. The film shifts effortlessly between the whimsical and the reflective, offering a poignant portrayal of Szwan’s ongoing engagement with life, even as he faces the reality of its inevitable end.
The documentary is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, as Szwan reflects on the passage of time with both joy and sorrow. His memories of past loves, his experiences in the Berlin Pride parades, and his performances at drag parties are all woven together in a bittersweet tapestry. Despite the ravages of time, Szwan still longs to dance, to love, to party-his vitality and hunger for life remain, even as his body inevitably succumbs to age. Yet, his acceptance of physical limitations only serves to enrich the moments he still has, making him all the more determined to embrace life fully.
While "Boylesque" does not shy away from the pain of lost opportunities and unfulfilled desires, it also underscores Szwan’s ability to remain hopeful and find joy in the present. In one of the film’s most moving moments, Szwan logs onto a dating app in the hope of finding companionship, a gesture that underscores his ongoing search for love and connection. He approaches the process with humor, even as he contemplates the fact that he is in the twilight years of his life.
One particularly poignant sequence captures Szwan’s search for an urn to house his ashes after his passing. Reflecting on the idea of death with the same humor and theatricality with which he approaches life, Szwan dismisses the conventional urns as too dull and ordinary. Instead, he envisions a final resting place that mirrors his artistic sensibilities: an urn in the shape of a high-heeled shoe. As he reflects on his desires for the end of his life, it becomes clear that Szwan is a man who, even in death, refuses to be ordinary.
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The film also delves into the broader history of the queer community in Poland, juxtaposing Szwan’s story with the experiences of the younger generation. Through old photographs and archival footage, Kowalczyk paints a picture of a time when Polish queer spaces were struggling to find their identity and safety in a society that was far less accepting. However, the younger generation’s admiration for Szwan also shines through, as they embrace his boldness and creativity. "Boylesque" becomes a tribute not only to Szwan’s legacy but also to the persistence of the queer community, which continues to thrive despite the difficulties it faces.
Kowalczyk’s direction is both intimate and expansive. Cinematographer Miłosz Kasiura captures the emotional depth of Szwan’s story, using a range of visual techniques that fluctuate between tender close-ups and expansive, reflective moments. The film’s evocative score by Wojciech Frycz further enhances the mood, weaving delicate, emotive melodies that underscore Szwan’s journey through time. The documentary’s style, with its focus on sensory details and emotional resonance, allows the viewer to feel closer to Szwan and his experiences, inviting them into his world in a way that is both immersive and deeply personal.
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In its essence, "Boylesque" is a meditation on the beauty of life, even as it fades. It is a celebration of resilience, love, and the search for meaning in a world that can sometimes be unkind. It is a film about aging, queerness, and identity, but at its heart, it is a story about a man who refuses to let go of his passions, dreams, and desire for connection.
The film’s exploration of aging and queer identity has garnered widespread acclaim. It has been celebrated at film festivals, winning the Silver Lajkonik and the Audience Award at the 62nd Krakow Film Festival, as well as being nominated for the European Film Award for Best Documentary. Its authenticity, humor, and emotional depth have made "Boylesque" a standout in the world of documentary filmmaking.
Andrzej Szwan’s life, as captured in "Boylesque", is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Despite the obstacles that life has thrown his way - whether personal, political, or societal - he remains a figure of inspiration, a man who continues to shine brightly, refusing to be dimmed by age or adversity. Through Kowalczyk’s lens, Szwan becomes not just a subject of the film but a symbol of the resilience and beauty that can exist even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Image credits: YouTube
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