The Austin Polish Film Festival (APFF) returns for its 18th year, solidifying its role as a premiere showcase of Polish cinematic talent. Since its launch in 2005, APFF has presented over 450 films, welcomed celebrated Polish filmmakers of both national and international acclaim, and firmly established itself within Austin's bustling film landscape.
This year boasts a curated lineup, featuring award-winning dramas, insightful documentaries, and imaginative animations. One of the festival's crown jewels is Kinga Debska's "Fire Festival" ('?wi?to ognia"), a stirring adaptation of Jakub Ma?ecki's novel. Scheduled for November 3rd, audiences will be treated to an intimate Q and A session with lead actors Kinga Preis and Tomasz Sapryk post-screening.
Enhancing the cinematic experience, APFF collaborates with Dot Dot Dot Connect, a leading experiential art curator. This partnership brings forth an exclusive art exhibit celebrating the intricate works of acclaimed Polish poster artist, Patrycja Longawa.

Nov 2, 2023

Schedule of the Event

PECH TO NIE GRZECH-BEING UNLUCKY IS NOT A SIN: 7:00 PM

Natalia is a successful businesswoman who's always prided herself on her independence. However, her resilience is tested when she stumbles upon a bet made by her closest business partner, Piotr, and his fiancée, Weronika. They wagered she couldn't find true love within three months. Determined to prove them wrong, Natalia embarks on a quest for romance. This leads her into the arms of Adam, a charming individual from the tech world. Initially, their relationship is a mere act to win the bet, but genuine emotions soon begin to bloom. As the days unfold, the trio's dynamics change; with Piotr's impending wedding, old bonds are examined, and the line between friendship and love becomes increasingly blurred.
Balancing first-world dilemmas and the intricacies of the heart, the film offers light-hearted entertainment, safe for viewers of all ages, and a glimpse into the lives of young professionals navigating both love and competition.

W IMI? NAJWY?SZYCH WARTO?CI-IN THE NAME OF THE HIGHEST VIRTUES: 9:15 PM

Spanning from 1952 to 1981 in southern Poland, this documentary unveils the remarkable resistance of the Boba family against an oppressive communist regime. When Danuta and Bart?omiej Boba discerned the communist school's attempts at indoctrination, they made the brave decision not to enroll their children. This act of defiance drew the wrath of the authorities, resulting in a 1955 Stalinist court verdict that stripped the Bobas of their parental rights and sought to send their children to orphanages. Yet, the family's valiant struggle ensured the verdict remained unexecuted. Through the lens of the Boba family's ordeal, the film sheds light on Poland's enduring quest to preserve its Christian and national identity against overwhelming odds.

Nov 3, 2023

Schedule of the Event

?WI?TO OGNIA-FEAST OF FIRE: 7:30 PM

In the poignant drama "FEAST OF FIRE (?WI?TO OGNIA)," the entwined lives of two sisters unveil a narrative filled with aspiration, restraint, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. Anastazja, a vibrant 20-year-old with a love for comics and hot chocolate, observes the world from the vantage of her wheelchair, with the added challenge of being nonverbal. Her relentless optimism stands in stark contrast to her sister, ?ucja, a promising ballet prodigy, who grapples with her disciplined body as both a source of liberation and constraint. As each navigates their individual struggles, their father finds refuge in places where he feels most alive. The introduction of their spirited neighbor, Józefina, propels the family into a whirlwind of revelations, prompting them to unearth a long-buried family secret.
"?WI?TO OGNIA" seamlessly intertwines tales of individual battles and hope, crafting a story that's both deeply personal and universally resonant. Adapted from Jakub Ma?ecki's novel, the film stands as a touching testament to the human spirit's indomitable will, encapsulating the fortitude of two sisters as they confront life's intricate challenges.

JULIAN STANCZAK-TO CATCH THE LIGHT: 10:00 PM

Julian Sta?czak (1928-2017), a revered figure at the Cleveland Institute of Art, was an abstract art visionary. His 1964 showcase, "Optical Paintings" at NYC's Martha Jackson Gallery, led Time magazine to introduce the term "Op Art." Born in Poland on the eve of WWII, Sta?czak's journey took him from Poland to Siberia, Iran, Uganda, the UK, and ultimately to the U.S. Tragedy struck in a Soviet gulag when he lost function in his right arm, compelling him to master painting with his left. This documentary, crafted over eight years, melds archival materials and rare interviews, painting an intimate portrait of Sta?czak's resilient spirit, his artistic process, and his deep connection to color.

Nov 4, 2023

Schedule of the Event

ZADRA-SPLINTER: 2:00 PM

In the gritty streets of an underprivileged neighborhood, eighteen-year-old Sandra "Zadra” Kwiecik fights daily battles. Living in a cramped apartment with her mother and younger brother, Witek, she hustles as a waitress, their main financial pillar. However, when night falls and the spotlight hits, Zadra channels the raw energy of her challenging environment, morphing into a rap force with unparalleled charisma. Immersed in the aggressive, male-dominated rap scene, her path to acclaim is strewn with obstacles. Her lyrics, a piercing reflection of her lived experiences and ongoing struggles, strike a chord with listeners. But everything intensifies when she encounters Motyl, the reigning rap kingpin of Poland. Suddenly, her dream-chasing world melds with a tumultuous love, pulling her into a whirlwind of intoxicating highs and perilous depths. Zadra's tale is one of fierce ambition, turbulent love, and the relentless chase of dreams in a backdrop that's constantly trying to pull her down.

?WI?TY-THE SAINT:3:45 PM

Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1980s Poland, THE SAINT (?WI?TY) by director Sebastian Buttny weaves a suspenseful tale of crime, politics, and faith. Lieutenant Andrzej Baran of the Citizens' Militia finds himself thrust into the spotlight when the revered silver sculpture of Saint Adalbert disappears from the Gniezno Cathedral, marking one of the most notorious thefts in communist Poland. The weight of the case is magnified by the recent politically-charged murder of priest Jerzy Popie?uszko, rendering the already fragile balance between church and state even more precarious.
When the chief of police entrusts the enigmatic case to the green yet driven Baran, initial breakthroughs in the investigation arrive unexpectedly quickly, almost too conveniently. Dissatisfied with the official narrative, Baran embarks on a parallel investigation of his own. Delving deeper into the heart of the mystery, he unravels a web that suggests the crime isn't merely an act of theft but a deeply political provocation with implications far beyond the missing artifact.
THE SAINT masterfully intertwines historical events with gripping fiction, painting a vivid picture of a nation grappling with its identity amidst political unrest.

NA TWOIM MI?JSCU-IF I WERE YOU:6:00 PM

In the heartwarming and hilarious comedy NA TWOIM MI?JSCU (IF I WERE YOU), we dive into the intricacies of marital life, identity, and the age-old question: what's it truly like to walk in someone else's shoes? Kasia and Krzysiek, an average couple entangled in the everyday struggles of parenthood, find themselves constantly at odds. While Krzysiek is engrossed in his demanding corporate job, Kasia grapples with the dual challenges of managing a kindergarten job and caring for their home and son, often sidelining her own needs.
Their mounting disagreements take an unexpected turn when they awaken to discover they've inexplicably switched bodies. Thrust into each other's lives, the couple gets a firsthand, eye-opening experience of the challenges and quirks that define their partner's daily existence. Amidst the comedy of errors that ensue, they uncover deeper insights into their relationship, gaining a newfound appreciation for the significance of communication and understanding.
NA TWOIM MI?JSCU humorously sheds light on the complexities of love and relationships, reminding us that while we all play roles in life, true understanding arises from seeing the world through another's eyes.

WYRWA-THE BREACH-8:00 PM

In Bartosz Konopka's gripping drama-thriller THE BREACH (WYRWA), Maciek's life unravels following a perplexing car accident that claims the life of his wife, Janina. Although it appears Janina may have taken her own life, Maciek is baffled by the accident's location near Mr?gowo, especially when she had told him she was heading to Kraków for business. As doubt gnaws at him, Maciek embarks on a relentless quest for answers. His investigation leads him to a charismatic actor, Wojnar, who he believes might have been involved with Janina. As the layers of mystery unfold, Maciek faces unsettling revelations, questioning how well he truly knew the woman he loved. Based on Wojciech Chmielarz's bestselling novel, Konopka masterfully weaves elements of psychological drama and the intricacies of a thriller, punctuated by rare nods to the "buddy film” genre. At its core, THE BREACH delves deep into the vulnerabilities of masculinity, the challenges of communication, and the quest to reconstruct one's sense of reality.

CZAS NA POGOD?-FOR BETTER WEATHER:10:30 PM

In the evocative drama FOR BETTER WEATHER (CZAS NA POGOD?), life's relentless challenges push two souls to the brink, only to find solace in the most unexpected of places. Fifty-year-old Adam embodies life's relentless string of disappointments: personal failures, the recent death of his aunt, and the inherited apartment that's ruined by a flood. His attempts to confront the upstairs neighbor responsible introduce him to Celina, a once-celebrated singer now grappling with alcoholism and an existential crisis. Their turbulent interaction-a blend of resentment, allure, closeness, and violence-gradually hints at a deeper, mutual affection. Despite his optimism for Celina's redemption, she remains ensnared by her painful past, questioning whether it's easier to surrender than to fight for a fresh start.
Directed by the acclaimed Jacek Raginis-Królikiewicz, FOR BETTER WEATHER has stormed the international film scene, amassing awards and praise. A raw exploration of Adam and Celina's interwoven fates, this film is a poignant testament to redemption, resilience, and the surprising power of unexpected bonds.

Nov 5, 2023

Schedule of the Event

PROROK-PROPHET: 2:30 PM

In the compelling biographical drama PROPHET (PROROK), the indomitable spirit of Cardinal Stefan Wyszy?ski comes to life. Navigating the turbulent waters of political unrest, Wyszy?ski emerges as an unyielding leader, fearlessly confronting the communist forces determined to cripple the Church. But beyond his resistance, he's a visionary, foreseeing the rise of Karol Wojty?a, who would later become Pope John Paul II, instrumental in the downfall of communism in Europe. Wyszy?ski's steadfast faith and his advocacy for love, freedom, and human dignity set the stage not just for the ascendancy of a Pope but also for a spiritual renaissance in Poland and Eastern Europe. Directed by Micha? Konrad, PROPHET is a poignant exploration of courage, foresight, and the transformative power of unwavering faith amidst adversity.

BURNING QUESTIONS: 5:15 PM

In the poignant documentary BURNING QUESTIONS, director Mishael Porembski embarks on a deeply personal journey into a lesser-explored chapter of the Holocaust: the sufferings endured by Poland's Catholic citizens under Nazi rule. As an American-born daughter, Porembski seeks to understand her Polish father's harrowing experiences as a Catholic concentration camp survivor. This intimate exploration takes them both back to his homeland, unearthing memories and reconciling with a painful past. The film offers an introspective look into a familial bond, set against the backdrop of a rarely studied chapter of Nazi atrocities. This award-winning documentary combines the emotional depth of a home movie with the significance of historical introspection.

RAPORT PILECKIEGO-THE PILECKI REPORT: 7:15 PM

The film depicts the incredible story of Witold Pilecki. A distinguished army officer, Pilecki joined the Polish resistance in the early days of the Second World War, volunteering to infiltrate and report on the Nazi atrocities inside the Auschwitz concentration camp. Allowing himself to be captured and sent to the camp, he organized a resistance network among the prisoners and smuggled intelligence out. Pilecki's intelligence, provided to the Allied governments, was one of the first eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust.
The film focuses on Pilecki's heroic actions against Nazi occupation but also shines a light on his dramatic escape, participation in the Warsaw Uprising, and unyielding resistance after Poland fell under Soviet dominion. By 1948, the very country he loved subjected him to unspeakable torment, and he was nearly written out of history. Now, he stands as a beacon of Polish heroism-a symbol of courage, freedom, and unwavering solidarity with the oppressed.

Date: Nov 2-5, 2023

Location:

AFS Cinema - 6406 North IH-35 Suite 3100 Austin, TX 78752

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