The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of Polish cinema in the heart of the nation's capital.

From sold-out screenings to thunderous audience applauses, the festival garnered public acclaim, reaffirming its position as a premier showcase of Polish cinematic talent. 

Under the expert guidance of esteemed filmmaker Jan Komasa and a distinguished jury comprising filmmakers Robert Tutak, Sławomir Grunberg, actress Liliana Komorowska, and film critic Michał Oleszczyk, this year’s festival witnessed the recognition of outstanding contributions to the art form.

The report of the jury was announced by Ms. Komorowska who attended the closing ceremony and read a brief statement from the jury explaining each of its awards.

The festival jury announced the following winners:

Best Feature Film: “Scarborn” (“Kos”) directed by Paweł Maślona – “For its sense of irony and courageous breaking of conventions. For the lightness of the genre and the importance of the subject matter. It achieves a rare and risky effect in film making, that stands out in Polish cinema.  It does not only tell a story with its fantastic ensemble of actors, but also revives and reinterprets historical themes without falling into the many possible political traps and biases with respect to proven and unproven historical facts. For showing an historical vision of Poland, although one virtually unknown in textbooks, that may also serve as a warning.”

Short Film: “My Old Gals” (Moje “Stare”) Directed by Natasza Parzymies – “For its outstanding subject matter, a love story of two mature women, with Dorota Stalińska and Dorota Pomykał in tour-de-force performances. Natasza Parzymies a director and the artists collaborating with her touching on subjects with a sensitivity rarely seen before, let alone inPolish cinema.”

Best Actor: Jakub Gierszał for his captivating performances in “Doppelgänger”(“Sobowtór”) and “Ultima Thule” – “For his stunning, chilling and complex performance as the ruthless operative Hans, a spy and imposter in Doppleganger and for his honest and compelling performance as Bartek, forced to confront both solitude and the power of nature in Ultimate Thule. Jakub Gierszał sits at the centre of these both features  and superbly executes his acting skills that shows qualities that impressed and event astonished the jury by the both the depth and width of achievement.”

Best Actress: Joanna Kulig for her remarkable portrayal of Iza – the wife of the main character – in “Woman Of” (“Kobieta z”) – “For simply a superlative soulful performance as Iza, the wife of Andrzej/Aniela Wesoły in a film that depicts what it means to be a trans person in Poland. Joasia Kulig complements well the other side of the story, a wife and a mother who must also struggle with this issue. Her charismatic and authentic execution of the character brings complexity to every scene, yet always retaining a natural chemistry. Her touching interpretation of the role of Iza generates extraordinary empathy and, in a very human way, helps the audience to relate to the unique fabric of their relationship.“

Best Director: Jan Holoubek for his masterful directing in “Doppelgänger” (“Sobowtór”) – This topflight euro gripping psychological spy thriller deserves to get the award for directing! For its remarkable revealing vision of the period, beautifully enhanced by the yellowish nicotine-like patina. And for the film’s intricately plotted story, masterfully directed by Jan Holoubek in only his 2nd feature, that captures the underside of the too often glorified world of spies and those who control them."

In addition to the jury selections, the festival also celebrated the audience favorites. The festival audience determined the following awards:

Best Short Film: “Eden” (“Do raju”)

Best Feature Film: “The Feast of Fire” (“Święto ognia”)

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from filmmakers, audiences, and sponsors alike,” said Barbara Bernhardt, the Festival’s Executive Director. “The success of this inaugural edition underscores the richness of Polish cinema and the significance and need to share it with international audiences”, she added.

The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival looks forward to building upon this success in future editions, continuing to promote excellent Polish cinematography in the US capital, films that simultaneously entertain and educate and so beautifully fulfill the mission of almost 100 years old Kosciuszko Foundation.

Jakub Gierszal receiving his "Best Actor" Award from jury member Liliana Komorowska.