All films will be screened at AFS Cinema (with the exception of “Chopin, Chopin!”) 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
CHOPIN, CHOPIN!
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2:30 pm
Location: Galaxy Theatre at 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin
2h 13 min I Biography I 2025
Director: Michał Kwieciński
Screenplay: Bartosz Janiszewski, Victor Meutelet
Cinematography: Michał Sobociński
Editing: Bartłomiej Piasek, Piotr Wójcik
Music: Frédéric Chopin
Cast: Eryk Kulm, Joséphine de La Baume
Synopsis: A bold and lyrical portrait of Frédéric Chopin, this biographical drama reimagines the composer as a vibrant, charismatic force in 1830s Paris. At just 25, Chopin dazzles aristocrats and royalty, performing in salons, teaching to stay afloat, and composing timeless works—all while concealing a worsening illness with charm and wit.
The film unfolds in vivid, interwoven scenes that reveal Chopin as a “rockstar of his time,” driven by passion, spontaneity, and creative fire. His relationships with strong women—including George Sand and Maria Wodzińska—shape both his emotional world and musical genius. Eryk Kulm leads a stellar cast in this sweeping exploration of desire, decline, and artistic legacy.
The music for Chopin, Chopin! was overseen by renowned Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak. Olejniczak guided lead actor Eryk Kulm in preparing and performing Chopin’s compositions for the film. While the score itself is built around Chopin’s original works, Olejniczak’s involvement ensured authenticity and emotional depth in the musical interpretation.
This collaboration adds a layer of realism to the film, as Kulm spent months learning to play Chopin’s pieces, bringing the composer’s artistry to life on screen.
Awards & Nominations:
2025 Nominee Golden Lions - Best Film
DESCRIPTION FOUND YEARS LATER / rYSOPIS ZNALEZIONY PRZEZ LATA
Screening time: Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 pm
1h 2min I Documentary I 2023
Director: Sławomir Rogowski, Stanisław Zawiśliński
Screenplay: Sławomir Rogowski, Stanisław Zawiśliński
Cinematography: Jerzy Grabowski
Editing: Daniel Sokołowski
Music: Włodzimierz Pawlik
Cast: Wojciech Has
Synopsis: A multi-dimensional portrait of one of the most distinctive artists in the history of Polish cinematography. Wojciech Jerzy Has always hovered over the line where the mainstream met the avant-garde and his biography was marked by moments of artistic triumphs and personal tragedies. Uncompromising and utterly devoted to art, this individualist was ready to make any sacrifice to fulfil his artistic vision. He put his career over family life or the role of a father. As a freestanding artist he was always on the margin of the mainstream; nevertheless, he managed to create film worlds that made an indelible part of Polish cinematography.
Awards & Nominations:
2023 Nominee - Polish Documentary Panorama
THE SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT / RĘKOPIS ZNALEZIONY W SARAGOSSIE
Screening time: Thursday, Nov. 6 at 8:30 pm
3h 02 min I Fantasy I 1965
Directors: Wojciech Has
Screenplay: Tadeusz Kwiatkowski, Jan Potocki
Cinematography: Mieczysław Jahoda
Music: Krzysztof Penderecki
Cast: Zbigniew Cybulski, Iga Cembrzyńska, Elżbieta Czyżewska, Gustaw Holoubek, Joanna Jędryka, Bogumił Kobiela
Synopsis: A surreal, multi-layered journey through gothic, picaresque, and mystical tales, this Polish classic follows officer Alphonso van Worden as he encounters spirits, scholars, and storytellers in 18th-century Spain. Based on Jan Potocki’s novel, the film unfolds through a mesmerizing frame narrative discovered during the Napoleonic Wars. Rediscovered by Scorsese and Coppola, it remains one of Poland’s most celebrated cinematic achievements. Visually rich and intellectually daring, the film challenges viewers with its nested storytelling and philosophical undertones. Zbigniew Cybulski’s performance adds charisma and depth to the enigmatic protagonist. Voted one of the greatest Polish films of all time, it continues to inspire cinephiles and filmmakers around the world.
Awards & Nominations:
1972 - Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain - Special Award
VINCI 1
Screening time: Friday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm
1h 48 min I Crime, Comedy I 2004
Director: Juliusz Machulski
Screenplay: Juliusz Machulski, Robert Więckiewicz
Cinematography: Edward Kłosiński
Editing: Jarosław Pietraszek
Music: Maciej Staniecki
Cast: Robert Więckiewicz, J Borys Szyc, Kamilla Baar, Jan Machulski
Synopsis: When seasoned art thief Cuma is released from prison, he’s hired to steal Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine from Kraków’s Czartoryski Museum. He enlists his old friend Julian for help — unaware that Julian has a plan to protect the painting by swapping it with flawless forgery. As the heist unfolds, loyalties shift and the line between crime and conscience blurs.
Set against the historic backdrop of Kraków, Vinci is a witty, fast-paced caper that explores friendship, deception, and the art of illusion. Edward Kłosiński’s cinematography adds elegance and energy to the film’s visual storytelling, while Robert Więckiewicz — one of Poland’s most acclaimed and versatile actors — brings depth and charisma to his role as Julian, anchoring the film with emotional nuance and quiet wit.
Awards & Nominations:
2004 - Winner - Polish Film Fetsival - Best Screenplay
2004 - Winner - Golden Teeth of Camera Award
VINCI 2
Screening time: Friday, Nov. 7 at 8:40 pm
1h 40 min I Crime, Comedy I 2025
Director: Juliusz Machulski
Screenplay: Juliusz Machulski, Robert Więckiewicz
Cinematography: Piotr Uznański
Editing: Rafał Listopad
Music: Krzysztof A. Janczak
Cast: Robert Więckiewicz, Borys Szyc, Kamilla Baar
Synopsis: Two decades after the original heist, master thief Cuma returns for one last score in this stylish crime comedy set in Kraków. Lured out of retirement by a rival crew’s audacious plan, Cuma reassembles his old team to prove he’s still the best in the game. What begins as a battle of wits quickly spirals into chaos, drawing the attention of a relentless Polish cop and a vengeful FBI agent with unfinished business. As old loyalties clash with new ambitions, the heist becomes a fast-paced game of deception, timing, and ego. The film blends clever twists, sharp humor, and cinematic flair, capturing the spirit of the original while introducing fresh energy. With Kraków’s historic streets as a backdrop, Vinci 2 celebrates the art of the con and the thrill of outsmarting the odds. This long-awaited sequel delivers charm, rivalry, and a dash of nostalgia.
Awards:
2025 Nominee Golden Lions - Best Film
KULEJ. ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD / KULEJ. DWIE STRONY MEDALU
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2:00 pm
2h 28m I Biography I 2024
Director: Xawery Żułaski
Screenplay: Rafał Lipski, Xawery Żuławski
Cinematography: Marian Prokop
Editing: Wojciech Włodarski
Music: Jan Komar
Cast: Tomasz Włosok, Michalina Olszańska, Tomasz Kot, Andrzej Chyra
Synopsis: Olympic boxing legend Jerzy Kulej never hit the mat in the ring — but life outside it proved far more punishing. Set in 1960s Poland, this intimate drama explores the personal cost of public glory, tracing Kulej’s rise to fame and the quiet strength of his wife Helena. As ambition, politics, and personal demons collide, the film reveals the cracks beneath the gold. With dynamic performances and a richly textured period setting, the story captures the tension between personal sacrifice and national pride. Helena’s journey from devoted partner to self-possessed woman adds emotional weight to a narrative that goes far beyond the boxing ring.
Awards & Nominations:
2024 Winner - Golden Kangaroo - Best Film
2024 Nominee - Golden Frog - Polish Films Competition
THE PARTISAN / SKARBEK
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 4:45 pm
1h 48 min I Spy Thriller I 2024
Director: James Marquand
Screenplay: James Marquand
Cinematography: Karol Łakomiec
Music: Joe Wilson Davies
Cast: Morgane Polanski, Malcolm McDowell, Ingvar Sigurdsson
Synopsis: Krystyna Skarbek, a fearless Polish aristocrat, becomes one of Britain’s first female spies during World War II. Operating behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Europe, she undertakes daring missions to support the resistance — until betrayal forces her into a deadly game of survival.
Inspired by true events, The Partisan is a tense, character-driven thriller that explores loyalty, identity, and the cost of courage. With standout performances by Morgane Polanski and Agata Kulesza, the film brings to life a forgotten heroine whose legacy shaped the future of espionage.
Awards & Nominations:
IN-lAWS 3 / TEŚCIOWIE 3
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:00 pm
1h 30 min I Comdedy I 2025
Director: Jakub Michalczuk
Screenplay: Marek Modzelewski
Cinematography: Kacper Fertacz
Editing: Sebastian Mialik
Music: Jerzy Rogiewicz
Cast: Izabela Kuna, Adam Woronowicz, Maja Ostaszewska, Marcin Dorociński
Synopsis: A christening in the Polish countryside sets the stage for another round of family fireworks in this sharp, ensemble-driven comedy. Wanda and Tadeusz hope for a peaceful celebration, but when Małgorzata arrives with her psychotherapist friend — and her ex-husband unexpectedly returns from Australia — tensions erupt. Add flirtations, misunderstandings, and a visit from the local police, and the party quickly spirals into chaos. With a stellar cast including Izabela Kuna, Adam Woronowicz, Maja Ostaszewska, and Marcin Dorociński, In-Laws 3 delivers fast-paced humor and emotional insight, proving once again that in Polish families, even a christening can turn into a full-blown comedy of manners.
Awards & Nominations:
20
MINGHUN
Screening time: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2:30 pm
1h 34 min I Drama I 2024
Director: Jan P. Matuszyński
Screenplay: Grzegorz Łoszewski
Cinematography: Kacper Fertacz
Editing: Leszek Starzynski
Music: Stefan Wesołowski
Cast: Marcin Dorociński, Daxing Zhang, Natalia Bui, Ewelina Starejki
Synopsis: A quietly powerful cross-cultural drama, Minghun follows Jurek, a grieving Polish father, and his Chinese father-in-law Ben as they embark on a surreal journey to perform minghun—a traditional ritual of posthumous marriage—to find a “dead husband” for Jurek’s late daughter, Marysia. What begins as an unusual quest unfolds into a tender, absurd, and deeply human exploration of love, loss, and spiritual connection. Set against striking cultural contrasts, the film blends irony and intimacy with quiet humor, revealing how grief can bridge worlds and beliefs. Through unexpected encounters and emotional reckoning, Minghun offers a fresh, resonant take on mourning and the ties that transcend life. Starring Marcin Dorociński and Daxing Zhang, the film premiered in Poland in late 2024 and has garnered acclaim for its originality and emotional depth.
Awards & Nominations:
2025 Nominee - Polish Film Awards - Eagle - Best Screenplay
2025 Nominee Polish Film Awards - Eagle - Best Actor
2025 Nominee Polish Film Awards - Eagle - Best Cinematography
2025 Nominee Polish Film Awards - Eagle - Best Makeup
IT’S NOT MY FILM / TO NIE MÓJ FILM
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 9 at 4:30 pm
1 hr 39 min I Comedy, Drama I 2024
Director: Maria Zbąska
Screenplay: Maria Zbąska, Kazimierz Zbąski
Cinematography: Maria Zbąska
Editing: Andrzej Kowalski
Music: Anja Garbarek
Cast: Zofia Chabiera,Marcin Sztabiński, Mariusz Saniternik
Synopsis: In this quietly absurd and emotionally layered road movie, Wanda and Janek—an estranged couple—set out on a wintry trek along Poland’s Baltic coast in a last-ditch attempt to salvage their marriage. With no money for separate holidays and no energy for fresh starts, they agree to a pact: if either leaves the beach during their 400-kilometer hike, the relationship is over. As they move through snow and silence, their emotional distance becomes as stark as the frozen landscape. Janek walks ahead, tethered to his phone and rigid rules, while Wanda resists passivity with quiet defiance and bursts of movement. Their journey unfolds through comic detours and intimate reckonings, revealing the frayed edges of long-term love and the quiet strength of a woman reclaiming her voice. Maria Zbąska’s debut feature blends dry humor, poetic visuals, and psychological nuance, offering a fresh, resonant take on modern relationships in a disposable world.
Awards & Nominations:
2024 - Winner - Polish Film Festival - Golden Claw
2024 - Winner - CinEast - Young Talents Award
oPERATION POPE / ZAMACH NA PAPIEŻA
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 9 at 6:00 pm.
2 hr 3 min I Drama I 2025
Director: Władysław Pasikowski
Screenplay: Władysław Pasikowski
Cinematography: Maciej Lisiecki
Editing: Jarosław Kaminski
Music: Daniel Bloom
Cast: Bogusław Linda, Karolina Gruszka, Ireneusz Czop
Synopsis:: Operation Pope is a gripping political thriller rooted in historical intrigue, Assassination of the Pope explores the covert forces behind the 1981 attempt on Pope John Paul II’s life. When the Kremlin issues a secret directive to eliminate the Polish pontiff, elite sniper and intelligence operative Konstanty “Bruno” Brusicki is tasked not with pulling the trigger—but with erasing the evidence and silencing the assassin. As Bruno navigates a maze of espionage, betrayal, and moral reckoning, he confronts the cost of loyalty and the weight of conscience. The film blends taut suspense with emotional depth, revealing the human toll behind geopolitical maneuvering. Featuring a commanding performance by Bogusław Linda, alongside Karolina Gruszka, Ireneusz Czop, and Zbigniew Zamachowski, Operation Pope delivers a bold, cinematic take on one of the Cold War’s most mysterious chapters.
Awards & Nominations:
2025 - Nominee - Polish Film Festival - Golden Lions - Best Film
FRANZ
Screening time: Sunday, Nov. 9 at 8:00 pm.
2 hr 7 min I Drama I 2025
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Screenplay: Marek Epstein, Agnieszka Holland
Cinematography: Tomasz Naumiuk
Editing: Pavel Hrdlicka
Music: Mary Komasa
Cast: Idan Weiss
Synopsis: Award-winning director Agnieszka Holland is embarking on her most ambitious project to date, a biopic of the iconic 20th-century Czech writer Franz Kafka. Conceived as a kaleidoscopic mosaic, the film will follow the imprint Kafka left on the world from his birth in 19th-century Prague to his death in post-WW1 Vienna. FRANZ will give the audience a brand new perspective on the life of the man behind the literary giant.
Awards & Nominations:
2025 Winner - Polish Film Festival - Silver Lions - Best Film
2025 Winner - Polish Film Festival - Best Actor
2025 Winner - Polish Film Festival - Best Cinematography - Feature Film
2025 Winner - Polish Film Festival - Best Make-up
2025 Nominee - Golden Seashell - Best Film
