The European Film Award of the Critics — Prix FIPRESCI 2009 goes to the Polish director Andrzej Wajda and his film Tatarak (Sweet Rush) which had its international premiere in competition at the 2009 Berlinale. Already with his first films, A Generation (Pokolenie, 1955), Canal (1957) and Ashes and Diamonds (Popiól i diament, 1958), he wrote film history. His cinema is politically vigilant (Man of Marble — Czlowiek z marmuru, 1977), and is romantic (The Girls from Wilko — Panny z Wilka, 1979). It influenced generations of filmmakers. During Communist times, these films gave us in the West a deep insight into Polish society, its history and mythology, its problems, its feelings; and it showed us the blossoming of a new and young cinema in Eastern Europe.
    With the "Prix FIPRESCI", critics all around the world wish to honor Andrzej Wajda, and want to show him their respect.
    In particular, the prize honors his latest film Tatarak. It's not at all what one would call a later work — it is, on the contrary, the film of a young spirit, with which Wajda, in a risky and courageous way, undertakes to open new and very personal perspectives for European auteur cinema of today. (k.e.)

Andrzej Wajda will be attending the 22nd European Film Awards Ceremony on December 12 in Essen to accept the award on stage.