>>> Coltan (Poland)
“White Elephant” is a psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the illegal trade of Coltan - a little known and extremely rare mineral, which is crucial to the manufacture of all cell phones, laptops and other high-end electronics. Henry Kohl steps away from his successful advertising career to reconcile with his son Patrick, an environmentalist and activist, whom he has never met. Patrick rejects Henry because he betrayed and abandoned his mother while she was pregnant with him. To overcome his son’s mistrust and to right his wrongs of the past, Henry finds himself far beyond his comfort zone, helping Patrick in a morally questionable sting operation to expose corruption surrounding Coltan in the politically unsettled Congo. Complications arise, obstacles become increasingly dangerous and Henry risks his life to save his son’s. Strangers all of their lives, until now, Henry and Patrick are forced together as they stumble into imminent danger. A gradual build up of trust is formed... until Henry discovers a crushing truth
Maciej Wszelaki
Maciek Wszelaki was born in Poland. After studying engineering in Gdansk for four years he left and traveled to Australia where he attended the prestigious Film School at Victorian College of The Arts in Melbourne.
His directing work ranges from award winning TV commercials and documentaries, to drama. Maciek's shorts were screened at over 40 international film festivals including: Oberhausen, Hamburg, Clermont-Ferrand, Toronto, Chicago, Aspen and Sydney film festivals.
Maciek's documentary "Original Schtick", which premiered at Sundance Film Festival, received 4 AFI nominations (Australian Oscars). Maciek was nominated for Best Direction and Cinematography, winning Best Director award. His TV Drama "Sparky D" won Best Short Prize at Sydney Film Festival.
Maciek's documentary "Poker Kings" was financed, shot and screened internationally.
"Coltan" is Maciek's first feature film screenplay and would be his feature film debut.
