A Celebration of Polish Cinema Returns to DC:

The 3rd KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival Hits the Big Screen in March 2026

March 19–22, 2026 | Washington, DC & Bethesda, MD

Polish cinema is having a moment—and Washington, DC is once again rolling out the red carpet for one of the capital’s most vibrant cultural events. In March 2026, the Kosciuszko Foundation’s Polish Film Festival returns for its third edition, offering an exciting lineup of new Polish films, compelling conversations, and special guests direct from Poland’s thriving film scene. For four days, festivalgoers will gather at Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema to experience some of the most acclaimed and talked-about films to emerge from the latest edition of Poland’s Gdynia Film Festival. From sweeping dramas to dark comedies and powerful shorts, the festival promises a curated selection of the best contemporary Polish storytelling, all with English subtitles for an international audience.

But the celebration doesn’t begin at the cinema.

On Thursday, March 19, the festival opens in style with an exclusive Gala Reception at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in Washington, DC. This elegant evening will bring together Polish and American filmmakers, diplomats, cultural leaders, and special guests for a night of toasts, connections, and cinematic anticipation. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award to Dagmara Dominczyk, a Polish-American actress known for her work in Succession, The Lost Daughter, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Dominczyk’s powerful presence on screen and her role as a bridge between Polish and American storytelling make her a fitting honoree for this special recognition.

Throughout the festival weekend, several screenings of feature and short films, will include Q&A sessions with directors and special guests, giving audiences a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and hear directly from the creative voices shaping Polish cinema today.

2026 edition of the festival builds on the success of its first two editions. What began in 2024 as a bold new cultural initiative by the Kosciuszko Foundation DC supported by a group of dedicated volunteers*, has quickly grown into a must-attend annual event for the local film lovers, Polish Americans in Washington DC, and local international community alike. Last year’s second edition drew strong crowds and featured standout films such as White Courage, The Jesters, and Two Sisters, alongside conversations with emerging and established filmmakers. What makes the KF Polish Film Festival truly special is its ability to bring cultures together through the universal language of cinema. Whether you have deep ties to Poland or are simply curious about global film, this festival offers something rare: a front-row seat to a country’s cinematic soul.

Stay Tuned: our film line-up and program details will be announced soon. Visit here often for the updates or follow the KF DC Polish Film Festival on social media.

* The Kosciuszko Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the members of the KFDC Polish Film Festival Board of Directors: Martin Kabat (Chair), Peter Cipkowski, Emily Cunningham, Brian Ganz, Waldemar Izdebski, Zbigniew Kantorosinski, Krzysztof Lyson, Teresa Lyson, Agata Peszko, JP Schutte, Malgorzata Schwab, Ania Szary, Krystyna Szymczyk, and Anna Vanmatre.