The iconic Se-ma-for studio – history

The history of beloved films created at the Łódź Se-ma-for studio began in 1947 in a private apartment on ulica Radwańska (Radwańska Street). There, visual artist Zenon Wasilewski, with the help of fellow animators, created the first film titled "Za króla Krakusa" (Under King Krakus). Its premiere is considered the beginning of the Studio of Puppet Films "Polskie Film" (Polish Film).

The studio developed, subsequent puppet departments were created, including within the Łódź Fabryka Filmów Fabularnych (Factory of Feature Films), and later WFF, where a Department of Animated Films was established. This eventually led to the creation of an independent Studio of Puppet Films based in Tuszyn (near Łódź), which evolved into Studio Małych Form Filmowych Se-ma-for (Studio of Small Film Forms Se-ma-for). The 1960s, 70s, and 80s were golden years for the development of Polish animated, puppet, plasticine, and live-action films. Se-ma-for also produced documentaries and films for adults. Notable debuts here include Roman Polański (the film "Ssaki"), Jadwiga Kędzierzawska, Janusz Morgenstern, and Jerzy Antczak.

Children's Favorite – Uszatek the Bear

The beloved bear with a floppy ear was initially the patron of the magazine "Miś" (Bear) and the character in books by Czesław Janczarewski and illustrator Zbigniew Rychlicki. He gained the greatest popularity as the main character of a puppet series, created for Polish Television at Studio Małych Form Filmowych Se-ma-for starting in 1975. The voice of the famous Uszatek was provided by Mieczysław Czechowicz.

The Adventures of Colargol the Bear

The puppet series about the extraordinary adventures of Colargol was created between 1968 and 1974 in co-production with French Procidis. The main character was known to French children primarily from records and books, but thanks to the bedtime story broadcast, he became an internationally famous star. The series presents the escapades of Colargol in his native forest, on a great sea voyage, in space, in the Wild West, and during travels around the world.

The Charming Penguin Pik-Pok

Before becoming a TV star, penguin Pik-Pok was known to children as the character in books by Adam Bohdaj. Thanks to the puppet series created at Se-ma-for, children could watch his adventures while exploring the world. Pik-Pok decided to leave his Island of Snowy Storms and set out into the unknown.

Plastuś's Diary

A small plasticine figure who lives in Tosia's schoolbag is the character from the novel by Maria Kownacka. We could admire his adventures on the television screen thanks to the live-action animated series created at Se-ma-for in 1980-1981 on commission from Polish Television. Plastuś quickly became a favorite of children and also received a feature-length version.

The Moomins

The Polish animated series "Tales of the Moomins" was created based on scripts written by Maria Kossakowska and Lucjan Dembinski. According to critics, it is closest to the literary original by Tove Jansson. The Moomins and their friends experience various adventures on screen, with narrative continuity between episodes. Based on materials prepared for the series, several feature-length films were also created: "The Happy Days of the Moomins," "Winter in Moomin Valley," "Summer of the Moomins," "The Moomins and the Comet's Shadow."

Sparrow Ćwirk and His Adventures

"A Few Adventures of Sparrow Ćwirk" is an animated series created at the Łódź Se-ma-for between 1983 and 1989. Jan Kobuszewski masterfully played the title role. Ćwirk is an extremely curious and brave little bird who lives in a stork's nest. Time and again he flies out of it—on a trip to the city, fleeing a hungry cat, or experiencing adventures with various animals.

The Adventures of Cat Filemon

Cat Filemon and his older companion live in a small cottage in the countryside. It is a dream place for a curious kitten who cannot sit still and does not always heed Bonifacy's advice. On screen we can watch him with his grandmother, grandfather, a flock of hens, and a cunning fox. The voice of the narrator in the bedtime story belongs to Barbara Marszałek.

The Enchanted Pencil

A small, fair-haired boy is given a magical pencil by a gnome that has the power to bring to life and materialize everything that is drawn with it. Thanks to this, the boy and his accompanying puppy experience countless adventures. Unforgettable music for the series was created by Zbigniew Czernelecki, Waldemar Kazanecki, and Wacław Fedak.

Oscar-Winning Tango

The short, just eight-minute animated film "Tango" is an extraordinary film directed by Zbigniew Rybczewski. Its action consists of various objects appearing successively in a small, sparsely furnished room: a boy with a ball, a couple in love, an elderly lady, a puppy, a drunkard, a mother with a child, an athlete, and others. All perform certain actions to the rhythm of tango, constantly crossing paths with each other, but never meeting. The film was awarded, among other things, an Oscar.

Peter and the Wolf

The story told by the film takes place in a brutal world ruled by the principle: the stronger eats the weaker. It is precisely in such a reality that the titular Peter, with the help of his friends Duck and Bird, dares to confront the dangerous Wolf. The film is considered one of the most beautiful fairy tales for children. Filming for "Peter and the Wolf" took five months at the Łódź Se-ma-for studio.