The Polish-British co-production, directed by Suzie Templeton, entitled “Peter and the Wolf” (Piotruś i Wilk) has been awarded the Oscar in the category Best Animated Short Film 2008. The film was produced by the British “Breakthru Films” and the Polish “Se-ma-for” Studio. “Peter and the Wolf” in whole was shot in Poland. The film crew consisted in 95% of Polish creators. Marek Skrobecki was the author of scenography, photos were taken by Mikołaj Jaroszewicz and Hugh Gordon, Adam Wyrwas and Krzysztof Brzozowski were engaged in creating puppet animation. Zbigniew Żmudzki – director of the “Se-ma-for” – said: “This co-production crowns 60 years of “Se-ma-for” activity”.

“Se-ma-for” (situated in Łodz) was founded in 1947 and today is the biggest center of animated films production in Poland. Its output consists of 1400 films, among which over 300 won prestigious rewards. “Peter and the Wolf” is the biggest production of “Se-ma-for”, however it is not the first film appreciated by the Academy Award: in 1983 the film entitled “Tango” also received an Oscar. Nevertheless, despite many successes, “Se-ma-for” did not avoid problems and was put into liquidation in 1999. Then a group of enthusiastic employees, full of fervor and good intentions to continue, set up a producers’ company under the name: “Se-ma-for” Film Production. It specializes in puppet animation, cutout techniques, cartoons, combined techniques and live action films. It also enables young students to make their first steps in the field of animation through close cooperation with the Polish National Film School in Lodz.

Taking the opportunity I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in the production of  “Peter and the Wolf” and wish at least next 60 years of such a fruitful activity.