Shivers, Wojciech Marczewski’s award-winning coming-of-age story set in a 1950s Stalinist youth camp, is an unnerving parable of political indoctrination. Following his father’s arrest, 13-year old Tomek is sent to a youth camp designed to train future Communist Party activists. There, manipulated by propaganda and peer pressure and confused by his awakening sexuality,Tomek embraces an ideology that tests his loyalty to his family.
This powerful and disquieting film explores themes of erotic and political fascination. Although banned by the Polish authorities just after its release, it went on to win the Silver Bear Prize at the 1982 Berlin Film Festival.
