The 22nd Kinoteka Polish Film Festival in London promises to be an exciting event for film enthusiasts. With a focus on films by renowned Polish auteurs, this festival is a celebration of Polish cinema and its rich storytelling tradition. Organized by the Polish Cultural Institute and supported by the Polish Film Institute, Kinoteka 2024 will run from March 6th to 28th in various venues across London.
One of the highlights of the festival is the classics strand, which features films by Krzysztof Kieslowski, Walerian Borowczyk, and Michal Waszynski. Kieslowski's award-winning 'Camera Buff' (1979) tells the captivating story of a factory worker whose love for 8mm films consumes his life. Borowczyk's taboo-breaking 'The Story of Sin' (1975) takes viewers on a journey through the seductive and obsessive world of a young woman. Waszynski's 'The Great Way' (1946) takes us back in time to a military hospital, where a nurse poses as a soldier's fiancée to aid in his recovery. These films showcase the unique visions of these Polish auteurs and their contributions to the world of cinema.
In honor of International Women's Day, the festival will present the short film strand 'A Short Story of Women.' This collection of nine shorts features work by Polish female animators born between the 1970s and 1990s. It is a celebration of the talents and perspectives of women in the film industry and a testament to their creativity and artistry.
The New Polish Cinema strand is another exciting aspect of the festival, showcasing the latest works from contemporary Polish filmmakers. Among the films in this lineup are Malgorzata Szumowska and Michal Englert's 'Woman Of…,' Sebastian Buttny's 'Saint,' Jan Holoubek's 'Doppelganger,' Klaudiusz Chrostowski's 'Ultima Thule,' Kinga Debska's 'Feast of Fire,' Adrian Apanel's 'Horror Story,' 'The Secret of Little Rose,' the sequel to Jan Kidawa-Blonski's 'Rose,' and Pawel Maslona's 'Scarborn.' These films offer a diverse range of stories and styles, providing a glimpse into the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Polish cinema.
For documentary enthusiasts, the festival's documentary strand presents compelling and thought-provoking films. Maciek Hamela's 'In the Rearview' premiered at Cannes and has garnered numerous awards on the festival circuit, including the grand jury award at Sheffield Doc Fest. Also featured is Vita Maria Drygas' acclaimed IDFA title, 'Danger Zone.' These documentaries delve into important issues and offer unique perspectives on the world we live in.
Kinoteka 2024 also includes a family screening of Magdalena Niec's heartwarming 'The Dog Who Travelled by Train.' This film was a hit in Polish cinemas last year and is sure to entertain and delight audiences of all ages.
To kick off the festival, Agnieszka Holland's 'Green Border' will open the event, and Lukasz Rostkowski's 'The Peasants' will bring the festival to a close. These bookend films will set the tone for an incredible lineup of screenings, showcasing the talent and creativity of Polish filmmakers.
With its diverse and engaging program, Kinoteka 2024 offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Polish cinema. From timeless classics to the latest releases, this festival is a celebration of Polish film and its enduring impact on the global cinematic landscape. Don't miss this chance to discover the captivating stories and exceptional talent that Polish cinema has to offer.
