September 1, 2023
LXI — Andiamo
Andiamo are a directing duo composed of Mat Erdmann and Michael Wieckowski based in Warsaw, Poland.

Below are Andiamo’s selects for influential works:

As a duo, we always try to maintain a unified voice, but beyond that we are distinctly different with our own preferences and tastes. While curating this list we sought out projects that give us goosebumps, narrate the stories of flawed humanity and imperfect beings or just bring laughter to our hearts. It was a really delightful journey and we sincerely hope you will enjoy this brief selection of works.

Film
Ghost Dog by Jim Jarmusch
United States, France, Germany, & Japan
1999

The tale of a just assassin with a pigeon heart. I stumbled upon it during an independent film screening in the first year of high school, captivated by hip-hop. It was perhaps the most impactful movie experience I’ve had. It has stayed with me to this day. The soundtrack, produced by RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, was incredible. Forest Whitaker portrayed the apathetic anti-superhero brilliantly. The characters were vivid, the dialogues were mind-blowing. You could quote any line or frame from this film. It still gives me chills. And it’s still funny.

Film
We The Animals by Jeremiah Zagar
United States
2018

Perfect proof of how telling stories about everyday life can be so powerful. A delicate, poetic, and intimate story of three brothers. Beautifully shot on 35mm and spiced with great drawings and motion design. All the elements of this movie just work so well that it almost lets viewers melt during its long summer afternoon.

Film
Gummo by Harmony Korine
United States
1997

Realism at it’s finest. Post-apocalyptic, documentary inspired, naturalistic and a very raw portrait of youngsters living in a city destroyed by tornado, forgotten by god. A strong and vivid vision of immorality that fights the need for security, peace, and love. So crazy and beautiful. In a world with no rules and authorities. The cast is nuts. Impossible to be indifferent after watching.

Film
The Acid House by Paul McGuigan
United Kingdom
1998

Watched it for the first time with my buddies on a VHS tape from the rental store. Despite the years that have passed, it’s still fresh, a lesser-known cousin of ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ and ‘Trainspotting’. British humor that deeply dives into drug culture of 90’s. It cuts loose and bravely jumps into a swimming pool of imagination and acid. Pure psychedelic joy.

Film
Laurence Anyways by Xavier Dolan
Canada
2012

The most beautiful coming-out story and perhaps one of the best-told character transformations (Melvil Poupaud). Simultaneously, it’s a fantastic study of the relationship between a man and a woman as he redefines his sexuality. The film was made by Xavier Dolan when he was only 23 years old. Besides the psychological prose, there’s naturally integrated music and magical realism. It works and moves you. As always, the soundtrack is outstanding.

Film
Bread & Salt by Damian Kocur
Poland
2022

One of the best Polish films in recent years. Damian Kocur made this movie with non-professional actors in a blocks estate in a small town. It’s a story of Polish hospitality, portrayed through the twisted lens of baseless hatred. An important and powerful film. Beautiful and genuine.

A conservatory student – a pianist – returns to his hometown for summer vacation and wanders around with the local lads on the estate. It’s a tale of being in-between, a narrative of being suspended between two worlds. On one hand, there’s sweet idleness, and on the other, a story of missed opportunities, of which there aren’t so many. In the background, Chopin’s nocturnes and clumsy punchlines freestyle.

We’re from small towns, from blocks. When you feel that connection with the story, the film stays with you.

Music Video
‘Wings’ Haerts by Emily Kai Bock
United States
2013

One of the best images of all time. Makes me tear up every time. Simple, real, strong, and beautiful. This music video connects with me in special way. A personal one. The ending is overpowering. No words needed.

Music Video
‘Blinded By The Lights’ The Streets by Adam Smith
United Kingdom
2004

Someone wrote in the comments, “English Melancholy”. There’s something to that. When I first saw this video on MTV, it struck me with its rawness. Sweaty, desperate Mike Skinner, shot on a Snorricam at a raucous British wedding, taking in everything around him. We’ve just been there. Simple people, simple stories. So close. So real. There’s nothing more powerful.

Music Video
‘Can’t Believe The Way We Flow’ James Blake by Frank Lebon
United Kingdom
2019

This music video showcases what imagination and courage in creation are all about. It’s a story of when a music video becomes an equal partner to the music. And that’s not the norm.

Let’s also agree that keeping up with James Blake’s creativity is quite a challenge. It would be more accurate to say that Frank Lebon has a beautiful mind, and it’s amazing to journey through it. What has been created is a beautiful whole. Complete. On an abstract and technical level, this music video is mind-blowing. The sheer amount of associations, information combined with rhythm and color is mind-boggling. It’s not a one-time video. You want to consume it in pieces. Funny, smart, and twisted. Plus, the killer editing. And all of this about love, which is the best. Enjoy!

Campaign
Polonez by Ryszard Lenczewski
Poland
1979

A frightened flock of birds, a rearing horse, a burning candle put out by the rush of air, breaking glass, blown dandelion seeds – all these phenomena were caused by a passing car. A very abstract, poetic, eye catching advertisement for a Polish car in 1979. Its creator is the great polish DOP Ryszard Lenczewski, known better as the cinematographer of ‘Summer of love’ and ‘Ida’.

Campaign
‘Una Vida Bien Vivida’ San Miguel by Daniel Wolfe
United Kingdom
2011

It’s really hard not to like this advert. With one of the most beautiful claims. One life, well lived. This is an advertisement that is very much about us. Our friendship started on a sidewalk in the scorching heat of Barcelona, where we were sipping San Miguel during our first road trip 18 years ago. We are still on the road now.

Campaign
Alive’ Bose by Miles Jay
United States
2018

A charming headphones advertisement. Simple, smart, and touching but in an unpretentious way with a sweet surprising reveal. We admire the simplicity, the story. What captivates us in this campaign is the time for everything. Shots can be long and anticipated. A story can unfold if you give it space. It really works. A gem.

Spec Campaign
‘Roll The Old Chariot’ by Ben Miethke
Germany
2017

It’s a 3rd year film from Filmakademie for Guinness, and from that point of view… wow. Everything works so well: The story, cast, location, sound, edit and outstanding cinematography. Rugby, sharp landscape, tough Irish faces and the melody of brave men. And a beautiful message. Captured on 16mm film by Maximillian Pittner. Truly a masterpiece.

PEOPLE IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul McGuigan
Featured
Damian Kocur
Featured
Adam Smith
Featured
Ryszard Lenczewski
Featured