Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival: A Showcase of Polish Cinematic Brilliance

The Kościuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of Polish cinema in the heart of the nation’s capital.

From sold-out screenings to thunderous audience applauses, the festival garnered public acclaim, reaffirming its position as a premier showcase of Polish cinematic talent. 

Under the expert guidance of esteemed filmmaker Jan Komasa and a distinguished jury comprising filmmakers Robert Tutak, Sławomir Grunberg, actress Liliana Komorowska, and film critic Michał Oleszczyk, this year’s festival witnessed the recognition of outstanding contributions to the art form.

The festival jury announced the following winners:

Short Film: “My Old Gals” (Moje “Stare”) Directed by Natasza Parzymies

Best Actor: Jakub Gierszał for his captivating performances in “Doppelgänger”(“Sobowtór”) and “Ultima Thule”

Best Actress: Joanna Kulig for her remarkable portrayal of Iza – the wife of the main character – in “Woman Of” (“Kobieta z”)

Best Director: Jan Holoubek for his masterful directing in “Doppelgänger” (“Sobowtór”)

Best Feature Film: “Scarborn” (“Kos”) directed by Paweł Maślona

The report of the jury was announced by Ms. Komorowska who attended the closing ceremony and read a brief statement from the jury explaining each of its awards.

In addition to the jury selections, the festival also celebrated the audience favorites. The festival audience determined the following awards:

Best Short Film: “Eden” (“Do raju”)

Best Feature Film: “The Feast of Fire” (“Święto ognia”)

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from filmmakers, audiences, and sponsors alike,” said Barbara Bernhardt, the Festival’s Executive Director. “The success of this inaugural edition underscores the richness of Polish cinema and the significance and need to share it with international audiences”, she added.

The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival looks forward to building upon this success in future editions, continuing to promote excellent Polish cinematography in the US capital, films that simultaneously entertain and educate and so beautifully fulfill the mission of almost 100 years old Kosciuszko Foundation.

Held at the prestigious Landmark E Street Cinema in downtown Washington D.C., the festival transformed the theatre into a haven for enthusiasts of European film.

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The Festival is not just a celebration of film but also a fulfillment of the Kosciuszko Foundation’s mission to promote Polish culture across the United States. In this notable year, as the Foundation approaches its centennial, and there is a renewed focus on reaching new audiences and exploring fresh avenues of cultural development. Contemporary Polish cinema, currently experiencing a renaissance, serves as an ideal medium for this expansion.

Esteemed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, an honorary trustee of the Kosciuszko Foundation, has graciously accepted the role of honorary patron for the festival. Her involvement underscores the significance of the event in promoting Polish arts abroad. This year’s film selection will be presented in the juried competition chaired by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jan Komasa, recipient of the 2023 KF Pioneer Award. 

The festival lineup features an exciting array of eight acclaimed feature films and eight shorts, each presenting the talent of the youngest generation of Polish filmmakers. The film selection includes:

“Doppelgänger” directed by Jan Holoubek, starring Jakub Gierszal, Tomasz Schuchardt, and Emily Kusche. 

“The Feast of Fire” directed by Kinga Debska, featuring Paulina Pytlak, Joanna Drabik, Tomasz Sapryk, and Kinga Preis. 

 “Woman of” directed by Małgorzata Szumowska & Michał Englert, with Joanna Kulig, Małgorzata Hajewska, and Mateusz Więcławek. 

“Scarborn” directed by Robert Maslona, starring Jacek Braciak, Bartosz Bielenia, Jason Mitchell, and Robert Wieckiewicz. 

“If I Were You” directed by Antonio Galdamez Munoz, starring Miron Jagniewski, Magdalena Lamparska, and Paulina Gałązka.

“The Inlaws 2“ directed by Kalina Alabrudzińska, featuring Eryk Kulm Jr., Maja Ostaszewska, Izabela Kuna, Adam Woronowicz, and Ewa Dałkowska.

 “Ultima Thule” directed by Klaudiusz Chrostowski, starring Jakub Gierszal and Arthur Henri.

“The Balcony Movie” directed by Paweł Łoziński

Each feature film will be preceded by a short film that showcases the impressive talent and creativity of younger Polish filmmakers. This layered presentation promises to offer audiences a comprehensive glimpse into both the current landscape and the future potential of Polish cinema.

For trailers, detailed information about the films, and ticket purchases, please visit the festival’s official website at https://www.dcpolishfilmfest.org. 

Please buy your tickets today. The festival also accepts donations, attempting to make this event a permanent annual mark on the Washington, DC, cultural landscape.