FILMS 2024
All films will be screened at AFS Cinema and will have English subtitles (even if some trailers below do not).
Audio in all films is in Polish, unless indicated otherwise.
FEATURE FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES
IRENA’S VOW / PRZYSIĘGA IRENY
Screening time: Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm
2h 1 min I Drama, History I 2023
Director: Louise Archambault
Screenplay: Dan Gordon
Cinematography: Paul Sarossy
Editing: Arthur Tarnowski
Music: Maxime Navert, Alexandra Stréliski
Cast: Sophie Nélisse, Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn
Synopsis: In this gripping wartime drama, based on a true story, a strong-willed Catholic housemaid risks her life to save Polish Jews from the Nazi war machine. It’s an unforgettable tale of personal sacrifice, courage, and compassion. Displaced and forced to work in support of the German war effort, she becomes the housekeeper for an SS officer (played by Dougray Scott). However, Irena’s bravery and cunning lead her to shelter a dozen Jewish men and women from the Nazis, risking everything to protect them. Her actions set her on a path of moral courage and resilience, defying the horrors of the Holocaust and demonstrating the triumph of the human spirit.
Adapted from Dan Gordon’s Broadway play and filmed in Lublin, Poland, with authentic production design, this soul-stirring saga honors Irena Gut Opdyke’s heroism and moral integrity as a Righteous Among the Nations medalist.
Awards & Nominations:
2024 Winner - Feature Film - Writers Guild of Canada
2023 Winner - Panorama Audience Award - Vancouver International Film Festival
2023 Winner - LIUNA People’s Choice Award - Windsor International Film Festival
SCARBORN / KOS
Screening time: Thursday, Nov. 7 at 9:00 pm
2h I Historical Drama I 2023
Director: Paweł Maślona
Screenplay: Michał A. Zieliński
Cinematography: Piotr Pawlus
Editing: Piotr Kmiecic
Music: Mikolaj Trzaska
Cast: Bartosz Bielenia, Jacek Braciak, Jason Mitchell
Synopsis: The movie unfolds in the spring of 1794. General Tadeusz ‘Kos’ Kościuszko (played by Jacek Braciak) returns to Poland with a bold plan: to ignite an uprising against the Russians, rallying both Polish nobility and peasants. Accompanying him is Domingo (portrayed by Jason Mitchell), a loyal friend and former slave.
However, a ruthless Russian captain is determined to capture General Kościuszko at any cost, fearing the consequences of a national rebellion. Simultaneously, a young peasant named Ignac (Bartosz Bielenia), who is also a noble bastard, dreams of receiving his coat of arms and inheritance from his recently deceased illegitimate father. Ignac’s half-brother, opposes this inheritance and forces Ignac to flee. During his escape, Ignac crosses paths with Domingo, and despite their language barrier, they form a strong bond. Together, they arrive at the Colonel’s Wife manor (Agnieszka Grochowska), where General Kościuszko is hiding, awaiting negotiations with the magnates. Kościuszko remains wary of Ignac, but fate places the uprising’s destiny in the hands of this seemingly inconspicuous noble bastard. When the pivotal moment arrives, Ignac must decide whether to pursue his dream of knighthood and honor his father’s legacy or join General Kościuszko in the fight for a higher cause.
Awards & Nominations:
2023 Winner - Golden Lions - Best Film - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Editing - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Makeup - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Supporting Actor - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Casting Director Award - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Journalists Award - Best Film - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Youth Jury Award - Best Feature Film - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Award of Festivals and Reviews of the Polish Film Abroad - Best Feature Film - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Award of the Network of Studio and Local Cinemas - Best Film - Polish Film Festival
THE PEASANTS / cHŁOPI
Screening time: Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 pm
1h 55 min I Romance, Drama I 2023
Directors: DK Welchman, Hugh Welchman
Screenplay: Władysław Stanisław Reymont, Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman
Cinematography: Radosław Ładczuk, Kamil Polak, Szymon Kuriata
Director of Animation: Piotr Dominiak
Music: Łukasz “L.U.C” Rostkowski
Cast: Kamila Urzędowska, Robert Gulaczyk, Mirosław Baka
Synopsis: This film tells the story of Jagna, a determined young woman navigating the confines of a late 19th-century Polish village—a place simmering with gossip, ongoing feuds, and a strong sense of pride in the land. Tradition and entrenched patriarchy bind together both rich and poor villagers. When Jagna becomes entangled in the conflicting desires of the village’s wealthiest farmer, his eldest son, and other influential men, her resistance sets her on a tragic collision course with the community.
The film employs the same painting animation technique that gained popularity in our previous work, “Loving Vincent.” At its core lies Władysław Reymont’s epic narrative, while the artistry serves as a conduit, immersing viewers in the world of the Polish countryside during the late 1800s.
Over 100 painting animators contributed to the film, working on specially designed PAWS units (Painting Animation Workstations) developed by Breakthru. These units were distributed across studios in Poland, Serbia, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
Awards & Nominations:
2023 Winner - Crystal Star Elle - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Chopard & W. Kruk Award - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Special Jury Prize - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Audience Award - Polish Film Festival
2024 Winner - Silver Crane - Lithuanian Film Awards
2024 Winner - Audience Choice - Vilnius International Film Festival
2024 Winner - Best Lithuanian Premier - Vilnius International Film Festival
zBIGNIEW SEIFERT. AN INTERRUPTED JOURNEY / SEIFERT. PRZERWANA PODRÓŻ
Screening time: Friday, Nov. 8 at 10:15 pm
1h 20 min I Documentary I 2021
Director: Robert Kaczmarek
Screenplay: Jacek Suchecki
Cinematography: Andrzej Adamczak
Editing: Paweł Suchta
Music: Zbigniew Sejfert
Cast: Zbigniew Sejfert
Synopsis: The film tells the story of Zbigniew Seifert, a virtuoso and one of the greatest jazz violinists of all time. It traces his journey from his birthplace in Kraków, where he grew up, studied at the Academy of Music, and performed in basement bars and clubs, to his travels across Europe and the United States, where his life was tragically cut short in 1979 at the age of 33. The film features Seifert’s own 1960s-style compositions, animation, and rare archival footage from behind the Iron Curtain. Seifert’s legacy is brought to life through the memories of his friends and family, as well as through the voices of prominent jazz figures, including Tomasz Stańko, Janusz Stefański, Jan Gonciarczyk, Jasper van’t Hof, Philip Catherine, John Scofield, Richie Beirach, Jack DeJohnette, Chris Hinze, and Billy Hart. Seifert’s enduring legacy comes to life.
THE COWBOY CAPITAL
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 pm
1h 31 min I Documentary I 2023
Director: Artur Owczarski
Cinematography: Dakota Wortman
Editing: Dakota Wortman
Casting: Roy Dugosh
Synopsis: Bandera, Texas (THE COWBOY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD) is a captivating documentary that explores the vibrant history, unique culture, and enduring values of the small town of Bandera, Texas. With its interesting past and present, Bandera and the Banderians deserved to be filmed. That is why Artur Owczarski, together with local historian and descendant of the first Polish settlers Roy Dugosh and talented filmmaker and graduate of The Art Institute of San Antonio - Dakota Wortman, set out to capture the soul of the "Cowboy Capital of the World" (which was officially confirmed by the US Senate on May 3rd, 2018).
The result of the project is a touching documentary about nostalgia for the days of the Wild West narrated by the people of Bandera, who spin a tale of cowboy culture. A tale that tells you about respect for the roots, the attachment to life in the Texas countryside and the preserved values that guide their lives to this day.
Awards:
GRAND PRIX, XVIII Festiwalu Polonijnym Losy Polaków (Warsaw, Poland)
Golden Remi Award, 57th WorldFest, Houston International Film Festival (Houston, TX USA)
SHREDS / sTRZĘPY
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 4:30 pm
1h 40m I Drama I 2022
Director: Beata Dzianowicz
Screenplay: Beata Dzianowicz
Cinematography: Piotr Pawlus
Editing: Rafał Listopad
Music: Mikołaj Piotr Górecki
Cast: Michał Żurawski, Agnieszka Radzikowska, Grzegorz Przybył, Pola Król
Synopsis: The film tells a simple yet poignant story about the unraveling of family bonds, memory, and physical well-being. Adam, a history teacher, resides in Gliwice with his beloved wife, Bogna, and their daughter, Zoja. His father, Gerard, holds a respected position as a professor at the local technical university—a man who shares Adam’s passion for the mountains and skiing.
As the plot unfolds, Adam becomes acutely aware that his father’s health is deteriorating. A doctor he knows suggests Alzheimer’s disease. Faced with a mix of responsibility and headstrong independence, Adam refuses to place Gerard in a care center, opting to care for him at home. Little does he realize that the consequences of this decision will prove far weightier than he ever anticipated..
Awards & Nominations:
2022 Winner - Onet Award - Polish Film Festival
2022 Winner - Best Supporting Actor - Polish Film Festival
2022 Winner - Best Debut Director - Polish Film Festival
2022 Winner - Special Jury Award - Warsaw International Film Festival
MENSCH
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:00 pm
1h 17 min I Documentary I 2023
Director: Paweł Wysoczański
Screenplay: Paweł Wysoczański
Cinematography: Bartosz Bieniek, Piotr Chodura, Jan Paweł Trzaska
Editing: Bartłomiej Piasek, Piotr Wójcik
Music: Michal Lorenc
Cast: Mariusz Bakowski, Mariusz Benoit, Andrzej Galla
Synopsis: The film “MENSCH” tells the story of Professor Ludwik Hirszfeld. He lived during the first half of the twentieth century, and the impact of both World Wars dramatically influenced his work and life. Despite the challenges, he never gave up.
“MENSCH” is not only a tale of Ludwik Hirszfeld’s powerful character and unwavering faith in science but also a story about love. It highlights the bond between a couple who supported each other—Ludwik and his wife, Hanna. Without her, his achievements would not have been possible.
Ludwik Hirszfeld and Hanna were true citizens of the world. Their remarkable life and extraordinary scientific contributions have left an indelible mark, and they are remembered across countries such as the United States, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, and Serbia. The film “MENSCH” was shot in these very locations.
Throughout the film, we hear from prestigious European and American scientists, intellectuals, and family members who share the story of Hirszfeld. Although he may not be widely known to the general public, his work has been celebrated and respected in universities worldwide.
DOPPELGANGER, THE DOUBLE / DOPPELGANGER, SOBOWTÓR
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9:00 pm
2h I Drama, Psychological Thriller I 2023
Director: Jan Holoubek
Screenplay: Andrzej Golda, Jan Holoubek
Cinematography: Bartłomiej Kaczmarek
Editing: Rafal Listopad
Music: Jan Komar
Cast: Jakub Gierszał, Tomasz Schuchardt, Andrzej Seweryn, Wiktoria Gorodecka, Katarzyna Herman, Emily Kusche
Synopsis: It is a suspense-filled psychological drama with elements of a thriller and a spy movie. The film draws inspiration from the true story of a special agent from Cold-War Poland who assumed the identity of a German woman’s son, creating false family ties to launch a successful espionage career. This gripping narrative explores how global politics can devastate the lives of ordinary people. Set in the 1970s and 80s, the film echoes the style of the Oscar-winning “The Lives of Others.” It delves into the inner conflict of a man driven by love, desperately attempting to turn away from an irreversible path. As an agent, he excels at sowing destruction, yet remains impeccable in his role.
Beyond espionage, the movie becomes a dark psychological tale, revealing human tragedies and the innocent victims ensnared in a ruthless spy operation. It explores the consequences of living a lie and the redemptive power of love. Ultimately, it’s a relentless pursuit of truth, demanding the highest price.
Awards:
2023 Winner - Best Director - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Cinematography - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Production Design - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Costume Design - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Best Supporting Actor - Polish Film Festival
2023 Winner - Radio Gdansk Award for Sound Effects - Polish Film Festival
dETECTIVE BRUNO / DETEKTYW BRUNO
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2:30 pm
1h 49 min I Family, Comedy I 2022
Director: Magdalena Nieć, Mariusz Palej
Screenplay: Marcin Ciastoń, Ewa Rozenbajgier
Cinematography: Wojciech Węgrzyn
Editing: Jakub Motylewski
Music: Maciej Dobrowolski
Cast: Oskar Walczak, Piotr Głowacki, Karolina Gruszka, Edyta Jungowska, Ireneusz Czop
Synopsis: The story of eight-year-old Oscar, a big fan of the series "Detective Bruno". The boy lives in the family orphanage and on his birthday he finds an envelope with a clue leading to the last gift hidden by his parents. He decides to hire the best detective he knows to help him solve the mystery. However, the series Bruno is actually Bruno Ksieski - a burnout, cynical actor who dislikes children, experiencing a great image crisis.
Together, the two embark on a turbulent paper chase and discover far more than just the next clue. A heart-warming family adventure to guess along with!
ULTIMA THULE / ULTIMA TULE
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 10 at 4:30 pm
1 hr 19 min I Drama I 2023
Director: Klaudiusz Chrostowski
Screenplay: Klaudiusz Chrostowski
Cinematography: Michał Rytel-Przełomiec
Editing: Krzysztof Komander, Sandra Ksepka
Music: Wojciech Frycz
Cast: Jakub Gierszał, Weronika Humaj, Chloe Tallack, Arthur Henri
Synopsis:: “Ultima Thule”—the end of the known world. Britain’s most isolated island, Foula, serves as the backdrop for 30-year-old Bartek’s (played by Jakub Gierszał) solo journey. Leaving behind his family and career, he seeks to find meaning in life. Armed with only a backpack and memories, Bartek grapples with his past and contemplates an uncertain future following his father’s unexpected passing. As he finds work with an eccentric local farmer, Bartek wrestles with his next steps, drawing inspiration from his father’s unrealized dreams. Along this transformative journey, he forges unlikely friendships and revels in the breathtaking natural wonders of the remote island, fittingly dubbed “The Furthest Point.”
Klaudiusz Chrostowski’s remarkable minimalist feature debut explores the significance of genuine human connections and the transformative influence of the natural world. The film received the Best Film Award in the Micro Budget Competition at the 2023 Gdynia Film Festival, with Jakub Gierszał delivering a stellar lead performance.
Awards:
2024 Winner - Best Director - Jantar
2023 Winner - Best Film - Microbudget Film Competition
tHE SECRET OF LITTLE ROSE / RÓŻYCZKA 2
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 10 at 6:00 pm.
1 hr 46 min I Romance/Drama I 2023
Director: Jan Kidawa-Błoński
Screenplay: Maciej Karpiński, Agatha Dominik
Cinematography: Łukasz Gutt
Editing: Jan Kidawa-Błoński Jr.
Music: Bartosz Chajdecki
Cast: Magdalena Boczarska, Robert Więckiewicz, Janusz Gajos, Jacek Braciak, Mateusz Banasiuk, Maria Seweryn, Paweł Małaszyński
Synopsis:: Joanna Warczewska, daughter of an eminent writer, is at the peak of her life. Her thriving political career and family happiness are instantly shattered by a terrorist attack that claims the life of her beloved husband. When fate grants her a new chance at life, another blow strikes. An anonymous sender provides her with photos and documents that undermine her family ties, suggesting her mother’s past collaboration with the Security Service. Determined to uncover the truth, Joanna embarks on a historical investigation, unraveling the mystery that casts a shadow over her family. What she discovers not only forces her to see her mother in a completely different light but also leads her to find her own identity. Joanna faces the blackmailer head-on, making a choice that will forever alter her life.
Awards:
2023 Nominee Golden Lions - Best Film - Polish Film Festival
INLAWS 2 / TEŚCIOWIE 2
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 10 at 8:00 pm.
1 hr 35 min I Comedy I 2023
Director: Kalina Alabrudzińska
Screenplay: Marek Madzelewski
Cinematography: Nils Croné
Editing: Tymoteusz Wiskirski
Music: Marcin Macuk
Cast: Maja Ostaszewska, Izabela Kuna, Adam Woronowicz, Eryk Kulm
Synopsis: This film is a sequel to the 2021 film The In-Laws. Łukasz and Weronika decide to give their relationship a second chance and invite their families to a wedding at the Polish seaside. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when family dynamics, secrets, and comedic chaos unfold during the wedding festivities. Filmed in the picturesque district of Orłowo in Gdynia, The In-Laws 2 promises laughter, family dynamics, and unexpected twists. It’s a delightful continuation of the original film, exploring love, relationships, and the complexities of family bonds.
