What's On

POLISH FILM FESTIVAL returns this June and July to Sydney with a curated selection of new Polish films, ranging from gripping spy thrillers through captivating dramas, remarkable true stories, to entertaining comedies and something for the whole family.

Full program is now on festival website and tickets are on sale.

Every year the Polish Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of inspiring, thought-provoking and entertaining films, giving Australian audiences a glimpse into stories coming from a fascinating country at the geographical and cultural crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe. Year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Festival, originally established in Perth, and now held annually in both Sydney and Perth. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we extend a warm invitation to all to delve into the world of Polish cinema through our 2024 program.

Opening the festival on Sunday 23 June at Palace Norton St is FEAST OF FIRE, a new film by Kinga Dębska, the director renowned for heart-warming comedy dramas like “Back Then” and “These Daughters of Mine”. It is another feel-good story, infused with a vibrant 'carpe diem' spirit. Adapted from Jakub Małecki’s novel under the same title, it seamlessly weaves together tales of hope and personal triumph of two sisters, a nonverbal 20-year-old Anastazja and promising ballet prodigy Łucja, as they confront life’s intricate challenges.

Rooted in actual events of Cold War Poland DOPPELGÄNGER. THE DOUBLE is a gripping psychological spy thriller unfolding on both sides of the Iron Curtain and following the intertwined lives of two men, Hans Steiner in Strasbourg and Jan Bitner in Gdańsk, living in parallel universes yet inexorably connected. Recipient of multiple film awards including Best Director (Jan Holoubek) award at the 48th Gdynia Film Festival, it keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as they gradually comprehend the connections between the two characters.

Winner of the esteemed Golden Lions for Best Film at the 48th Gdynia Film Festival, as well as Press Award and Youth Jury Award, SCARBORN is an unconventional Tarantino-style action drama, infused with dark comedy and loosely drawing inspiration from historical events and the return of American Revolutionary War hero General Tadeusz ‘Kos’ Kościuszko to his homeland, where he plans an uprising against the Russians.

From the producers of Oscar-nominated hit "Corpus Christi", the critically acclaimed "The Last Family" and "Carte Blanche” comes BACKWORDS by Jacek Lusiński, another powerful drama inspired by true events. It is an emotional story showcasing female strength in a mother’s relentless battle to secure the best possible future for her autistic son, ultimately leading to significant reforms of the Polish education system.

ULTIMA THULE is a remarkable minimalist feature debut by Klaudiusz Chrostowski with stellar lead performance by Jakub Gierszał. Winner of the Best Film Award in the Micro Budget Competition of the 2023 Gdynia Film Festival, it is a poignant tale of self-discovery on the remote Scottish island of Foula, where 30-year old Bartek seeks solace from the chaos of everyday life.

Based on the semi-biographical novel of the same name by Leopold Tyrmand, the story of a young Polish Jew named FILIP, who escapes the massacre of the Warsaw Ghetto and disguised as a Frenchman works at a lavish German hotel, tempting fate by indulging in forbidden romances with local women.

THE DOG WHO TRAVELLED BY TRAIN, a heart-warming family tale that captured the hearts of audiences
across Poland, ranking in the top three most popular Polish films in cinemas last year. Adapted to contemporary
times from the renowned book by Roman Pisarski, this modern retelling follows the enchanting adventures of
Lampo, a real-life dog in 1950s Italy.

CHOPIN. I AM NOT AFRAID OF DARKNESS, an inspiring documentary following three outstanding pianists,
Leszek Możdżer, Fares Basmadji and Jae-Yeon Won, who prepare to perform works of Polish composer Fryderyk
Chopin in places where no one would expect to hear live music.

Closing the festival is THE IN-LAWS 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed smash hit comedy
“The In-Laws”, where a couple’s prospective in-laws join forces to prevent them from marrying.

All films screen with English subtitles.