Update: The 2025 KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival Winners Are…

On Sunday, March 9, the second edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington, D.C. Polish Film Festival wrapped up with an award ceremony. Actress Liliana Komorowska, alongside members of the festival’s board, revealed the winners of this year’s editon, marking another successful chapter in the celebration of Polish cinema.

We are thrilled to announce the winners in the following categories:

• Best Feature Film: White Courage

• Best Short Film: Red

• Best Director: Marcin Koszałka for White Courage

• Best Actress: Sandra Drzymalska

• Best Actor: Filip Plawiak

• Audience Award for Best Film: White Courage

• Audience Award for Best Short Film: An Orange from Jaffa

We congratulate all of the winners and thank everyone who participated in making this year’s festival a success. We look forward to continuing to promote Polish culture and storytelling through cinema in the future!

The second edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington, D.C. Polish Film Festival took place from March 4-9, 2025, celebrating Polish cinema and culture in the capital of the United States. This year’s festival saw an exciting range of films and talent, showcasing the best of Polish cinema, with many notable figures from the Polish and American film industries in attendance, including Ellen Kuras, Gabriela Muskała, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Marcin Koszalka, Łukasz Karwowski, Artur Zaborski, and Władysław Deva.

Throughout the week, we welcomed hundreds of filmgoers who attended screenings at E Street Cinema and Bethesda Row Cinema, participating in discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and engaging with the themes explored in the films. The festival drew diverse audiences, with film lovers from various backgrounds – including American, Ukrainian, and other international communities – coming together to experience Polish culture through film. The festival also emphasized the cultural diplomacy mission of the Kosciuszko Foundation, aligning with its centennial celebrations.

Read more on how the jury supported their decision for each award in their own words:

Best Feature Film

The short list for this award was: People; It’s Not My Film; White Courage, and Jesters.

The Winner of the 2025 Award for the Best Feature Film is White Courage

“White Courage receives the award for a breathtaking cinematic vision of a little-known wartime story, in which the natural majesty of the Polish mountains goes hand in hand with dramatic choices faced by people grappling with a totalitarian regime. We feel that White Courage, despite its historical costume and local setting, speaks deeply to the world of today, in which the issues of loyalty, betrayal and courage in the face of authoritarianism are becoming more vital with each passing day.”

Best Director

The short list for this award was:  Maciej Slesicki and Filip Hillesland for People; Maria Zbąska for It’s Not my Film; and Marcin Koszałka for White Courage

The Winner of the 2025 Award for the Best Director is Martin Koszalka for White Courage.

“The film brings us deep into the heart of family drama in an original, fresh, and almost forbidden style. The visual poetry is like ‘Lovemaking with the mountains’; A riveting plot laden with guilt, and the despair of clearing one’s conscience is revealed with electrifying intensity and deep psychological insights. Koszalka has created a contemporary cinematic masterpiece. A complex emotional discussion on a highly

controversial historical topic.”

Best Actor

The short list for this award was: Marcin Borusiński for Wróbel; Marcin Dorociński for Minghun; and Filip Pławiak for White Courage.

The Winner of the 2025 Award for Best Actor is Filip Pławiak

“Filip Pławiak created a fascinating character in “White Courage”, portraying the leader of the Goralenvolk organization, which collaborated directly with the Germans during the World War II. The film explores the conflict between two brothers, Jędrek and Maciek Zawrat—one choosing to work with the Germans, while the other joins the Polish resistance. Filip Pławiak delivers a remarkable performance as Jędrek. To prepare for his role in this film, Filip spent over a year training for mountain climbing scenes. Despite having no prior climbing experience, he ultimately performed all the scenes in the mountains himself, without using stunt doubles.”

Best Actress

The short list for this award was: Zofia Chabiera for It’s Not My Film; Julia Polaczek for Wet Monday; and Sandra Drzymalska for White Courage and Simona Kossak.

The Winner of the 2025 Award for the Best Actress is Sandra Drzymalska

“Sandra Drzymalska is honored with Best Actress Award for her outstanding performances in White Courage (Biała Odwaga) and Simona Kossak, showcasing her remarkable versatility and emotional depth. In White Courage, she brought authenticity and nuance to the role of Bronka, skillfully navigating the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival in the harsh realities of wartime. Meanwhile, in Simona Kossak, she embodied the titular character with extraordinary sensitivity, capturing both the resilience and enigmatic spirit of the pioneering ecologist. Through her compelling portrayals, Drzymalska not only brought her characters to life but also elevated the narratives, making them deeply resonant and unforgettable.”

Best Short Film

The short list for this award was: Red, Saudade, Orange from Jaffa, and Mine.

The Winner of the 2025 Award for the Best Short Film is Red

“The Jury is honored to present the Best Short Award to Sophie Horry of the Warsaw Film School for her remarkable film, Red (Rouge). This decision reflects our deep admiration for her masterful direction and visual storytelling. Horry demonstrates a profound understanding of working with actors, crafting nuanced performances that feel both authentic and profound. Her command of cinematic language is equally striking—directing the camera with originality, precision, and evocative power. She navigates a sensitive and provocative subject with subtlety, maturity, and artistic integrity. Red stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and signals a distinguished future in filmmaking.”