BEHIND THE BLUE DOOR is a 2016 Polish family film with fantasy elements, directed by Mariusz Palej, based on the popular novel of the same name by Marcin Szczygielski.

The film tells the story of eleven-year-old Łukasz, who falls into a coma after a car accident. When he wakes up, he discovers that his mother, the only close person to him, remains in critical condition, and he is placed under the care of his aunt at a mysterious guesthouse by the sea. This place hides dark secrets, and the most important element of the house turns out to be the titular blue door, which leads to another, magical dimension.

Behind the Blue Door is a tale about childhood loneliness, longing, and the struggle with trauma, wrapped in the appealing form of a fairy-tale thriller. The film combines classic fantasy storytelling with psychological depth and a metaphorical portrayal of grief, growing up, and finding inner strength.

Cast: Dominik Kowalczyk, Ewa Błaszczyk, Michał Żebrowski, Teresa Lipowska, Adam Ferency

Locations: Wrocław, Jelenia Góra (surroundings and interiors), Zachełmie (Holiday House "Zacisze"), areas near Karpacz and the Jeleniogóra Valley

Awards: The film won the Audience Award at the Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival and was screened at film festivals in Chicago, Giffoni, and Toronto.

The film was co-produced by the Lower Silesian Film Centre.

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