The HBO Max series “Proud” about Filip, a young gay man who tends to avoid responsibility until tragedy strikes and must take care of his late sister’s baby, could spark a new debate in conservative Poland.
“This is also part of our mission. There’s never been a show like this before, and this subject continues to polarize our society. I think ‘Proud’ has a chance to show both sides and prove that we can and should talk to each other,” actor Ignacy Rhys told Variety ahead of the show’s premiere at SeriesMania, which will be screened in the main event. Variety also had access to some first look photos.
“The whole point of art and entertainment is to raise awareness about a particular issue. We’re not hitting people over the head with a message. We’re telling a true story that actually happened in Warsaw and the challenges that young gay men might face when trying to adopt.” We wanted to depict the difficulties of gay couples. This topic doesn’t exist in Poland either. But we do know that some people are troubled by Philip’s sexual orientation.”
Creator Karol Kremenwich added: “We know where we live, and we know how minorities are treated here.” But as I was writing, I tried to understand each side. ”
“There’s just a lack of dialogue in Poland. I don’t think anyone will change their opinion after watching the show, because this is an ongoing process. But maybe someone will see this guy as more than just his sexuality. Maybe they will see him as a human being.”
“Given what’s going on in our country, we can’t avoid politics completely. Whether we like it or not, politics affects our lives. There are a lot of issues related to homophobia, but this is so cruel and it really has to stop. It affects Philip too.”
Klementevich, who also directs, co-wrote the first public still, “Proud,” with Monika Peckiewicz. Produced by TVN Warner Bros. Discovery and Magnolia Films. He came up with this story after experiencing changes in his own family.
“It all started very personal and very ordinary. My brother had a son. He was very carefree and then suddenly this little creature changed his life forever. It was fascinating to see how quickly people grow into certain roles and how they become parents. You just have to face it.”
However, his hero is not yet ready to become a parent. Philip is a party animal, with long nights and a tendency toward casual relationships. But he also has no choice.
‘I’m proud’
TVN WBD_Agnieszka Jurek Opalinska
“At first, it was hard to find him. Everyone was having a ‘party period,’ and this is someone who clearly got lost along the way. And yet, and that’s most important, he also has the capacity for love and empathy,” Rhys explains.
“He grew up as an orphan, and I don’t want this kid to go through the same thing. When I finally get to know him, I realize that we’re really not all that different. To me, that’s the universal message of this series. Everyone has the potential to do the right thing. I mean, everyone. You just have to find your own path.”
Klementevich agrees that everyone has the potential to change and grow.
“He’s not going to make this decision right away or become an effective parent overnight. He can’t just stop the fast train of youth and get off at the station called ‘responsibility’ and say, ‘I’m ready.'” And it’s not about changing yourself, it’s about becoming a better version of yourself. Sometimes we just need a strong push and people around us to pray for us to do so. ”
Fortunately, Philip is not alone. He is surrounded by the family and friends he has chosen and will be by his side as he says goodbye to his sister.
“I call it ‘perfect stories about imperfect people,’” Rhys laughs.
“They’ve all experienced rejection. They’re socially excluded people and together they’ve built a wonderful family. They really support and love each other.”
The cast includes Maria Soboczynska, Kamil Stadnicki, Paweł Tomaszewski, Maja Ostaszewska, Alisha Levchuk, and Mateusz Wiecławek. The possibility of another season cannot be ruled out.
“HBO was really brave to find a slot for a show like ours, and it’ll be interesting to see what Philip does with his life going forward. When I was watching the show after it ended, I thought, ‘These are cool people. I wish I could spend more time with them,'” Klementewitz says. He considers “Proud” to be a “family story.”
“It’s a story about a chosen family that is formed in times of need. I think people are always lonely in life, but it’s nice to have someone to help you. Friends aren’t always there, and we definitely show that, but you can count on them, even if they tell you the bitter truth. There’s a bit of tough love here,” he points out.
“They create a world that doesn’t judge or exclude, even though sometimes they lose their patience. But it’s such a cliché, but this show is really about love. It turns out that it’s not just children who need adults, but adults also need children. This child saves him. No matter how cheesy it sounds, love is the most important thing.”
‘I’m proud’
TVN WBD_Agnieszka Jurek Opalinska
