“When five years ago, for the first time, we presented to a UK audience the program of Play Poland Film Festival, with much uncertainty, we’d been waiting for the public’s response. Without the vibrant involvement of the audience, such an event would have no raison d’être. We felt, however, that art is a good foundation to create a platform of mutual understanding between Poles and Brits.” Mateusz Jarza, the festival’s and Polish Art Europe’s director recalls the beginnings of the project with a smile. His inspired idea proved to be right. The main organizer of the festival, Polish Art Europe, is partnered now with the most recognizable film schools, studios and producers, and the scope of the festival has long since transcended Europe, reaching destinations as far as China, Canada, The United States, and Malaysia.
During the fifth edition of the Play Poland Film Festival, UK audiences will have the opportunity to participate in numerous screenings and accompanying events held in London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Belfast, Londonderry, Livingston, Motherwell, Coatbridge, Craigavon and Edinburgh, where in mid-October, the opening reception will take place. The special guest will be director Borys Lankosz, who is going to participate in a Q&A with the spectators after the inaugural screening of his film, “A Grain of Truth”. According to the organizers, the program was selected with the hopes that everyone would find something for themselves. Therefore, besides the Lankosz’s thriller, a variety of feature films will be presented: the black comedy “Body” by Małgorzata Szumowska, a stirring documentary titled, “Call me Marianna” by Karolina Bielawska, “Close -ups”, a drama by Magdalena Piekorz, a film based on a true story called “Carte Blanche” by Jacek Lusinski, and lastly, the witty “Disco Polo”, a comedy directed by Maciej Bochniak with a plot set in the 90’s during the political transformation in Poland.
The next important point attraction of this year’s festival will be screenings of short films, constituting the most interesting and intriguing debuts. The quality of the films is confirmed by the following partners: Lodz Film School, Krzysztof Kieslowski Radio and Television Faculty in Katowice, Wajda School, Miniature Film Studio, Munk Studio, the National Film Archive, as well as festivals such as New Horizons and O!PLA Across The Borders. This year, not only will adults share the joys of PPFF. For the first time, to encourage young audience participation, this year’s edition enters into Polish schools abroad and provides them with free screenings of old, well-known cartoons (detailed list available on website).
Play Poland Film Festival is not only a celebration of Polish cinema. It’s also an open space aimed at promoting Polish artists and culture. The organizers have always attached a great importance to the aesthetics of the project. This year, the promotional visuals for the festival were designed under the supervision of Professor Sławomir Witkowski from the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts by his students. Their works, accompanied by the selection from the masters of The Polish School of Posters, (J.Erol, J.Mlodozeniec, F.Starowieyski, among others) will be presented in Edinburgh at the Filmhouse, from 22 October.
The festival is organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of The Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, Polish Film Institute and Arts & Business Scotland. Honourary patrons are: the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, Mr Dariusz Adler; Professor Richard Demarco, one of Scotland’s most influential advocates for contemporary art; Professor Zbigniew Pełczyński, the tutor of political philosophy and politics at Pembroke College, Oxford and Andrzej Pągowski, Polish artist who specializes in graphic design and poster art.
This year’s edition lasts until 2 December. All films are presented with English subtitles. For more information on the program, accompanying events and contests, please visit the event: