Polish History in Film Masterpieces

Presented in collaboration with the New York Polish Film Festival

Poland regained its independence in 1918. On the 100th anniversary of the occasion, this series draws from a rich cinematic history to present some of the greatest Polish films ever made. The selection focuses on the struggle for freedom, as relevant today as it was a century ago. The series shows how cinema has been crucial to Poland’s ongoing struggles for independence. Four screenings will be introduced or discussed by Annette Insdorf, Columbia University film professor and author of books including Double Lives, Second Chances: The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslowski; Intimations: The Cinema of Wojciech Has, and Cinematic Overtures: How to Read Opening Scenes. There will be a book signing with Professor Insdorf on Saturday, June 2 at 3:00 p.m.

This program was organized by the Association of Polish Filmmakers and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Poland; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland; and Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Poland; and with the support of Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union and Polish Cultural Institute, New York. Special thanks to Hanna Hartowicz, founding director, New York Polish Film Festival.