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1/29/25, 5:00 PM

One Festival, TWO LOCATIONS:
March 4–6 | E Street Cinema Washington, DC
March 7–9 | Bethesda Row Cinema Bethesda, MD

One Festival, TWO LOCATIONS:
March 4–6 | E Street Cinema Washington, DC
March 7–9 | Bethesda Row Cinema Bethesda, MD

The second edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Polish Film Festival in Washington, DC, is almost here, and it's bigger than ever!


This year, we’re expanding to six days of captivating cinema, featuring 20 films: 11 feature films, several must-see shorts, and a lineup of special guests from both Polish and American film industries.

From gripping dramas about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine to heartfelt stories about young artists, environmental battles, struggling marriages, and coping with loss, this festival offers something for everyone. Each film brings its own unique energy, but all share a common thread—an intimate focus on human stories and deep psychological exploration. These films capture the complexity of everyday life, in a way that only Polish cinema can.


Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic mix of social commentary, personal narratives, and cinematic mastery.


Featured Films:

Check out the full list of film, their descriptions and schedule HERE

March 4–6 E Street Cinema

555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

  • Jesters, dir. Gabriela Muskała

  • Two Sisters, dir. Łukasz Karwowski

  • People, dir. Maciej Ślesicki

  • Wet Monday, dir. Justyna Mytnik

  • White Courage, dir. Marcin Koszałka


March 7–9 Bethesda Row Cinema

7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

  • It’s Not My Film, dir. Maria Zbąska

  • Sparrow, dir. Tomasz Gąssowski

  • Seasons, dir. Michał Grzybowski

  • Simona Kossak, dir. Adrian Paszek

  • Go Against the Flow, dir. Wiesław Paluch

  • Minghun, dir. Jan P. Matuszyński


Two Special Events You Can’t Miss:

  1. Opening NightMarch 4th, 7:0010:00 PM at the Shakespeare Theatre


Before that, at 4:00 PM at Landmarks' E Street Cinema, we’ll kick off the festival with film Jesters, directed by Gabriela Muskała, with a special introduction by prof. Iwona Sadowska from Georgetown University. Joining us for the screening are the film’s director Gabriela Muskałan and legendary Polish actor Zbigniew Zamachowski, who composed the film score.


After the film, gala ticket holders, festival pass holders, and VIPs are invited to relocate (7 min. walk) to the Opening Gala at the Shakespeare Theatre Company at 610 F Street NW Washington, DC.

Enjoy delicious food and wine, mingle with filmmakers and stars, and get a first look at all the films featured throughout the festival.


  1. “Focus on Ukraine” DayMarch 5th

    E Street Cinema

    555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

This special day will highlight the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, showcased through two powerful new Polish films:

  • 3:00–4:15 PM Welcome

  • 4:15–4:05 PM Short: Mine

  • 4:05–5:45 PM Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry), directed by Łukasz Karwowski

    Break

  • 6:15–8:15 PM People (Ludzie), directed by Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland - an introduction by JP Schutte, former U.S. Economic Counselor in Kyiv.


  • 8:20 PM Post-film discussion including:

    Łukasz Karwowski, director of Two Sisters

    Vladyslav Deva, 1st assistant director of People

    with special participation of:

    Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine

    Bogdan Klich, Chargé d'affaires of Poland

    Walter Goetz, Head of Liaison Office at the European Parliament

    Plus, representatives from U.S. Congress and Ukrainian organizations.


    Moderator: Michał Rutkowski, Regional Director for Human Development (ECA).



Closing Ceremony & AwardsMarch 9th

Bethesda Row Cinema

7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

We’ll wrap up the festival with the closing ceremony and awards announcements.


Festival Jury:

  • Honorary Patron: Agnieszka Holland

  • Sławomir Grünberg

  • Jan Komasa

  • Liliana Komorowska

  • Robert Tutak

  • Michał Oleszczyk


Join us for an unforgettable cinematic experience and celebrate the best of Polish filmmaking!




1/29/25, 5:00 PM

One Festival, TWO LOCATIONS:
March 4–6 | E Street Cinema Washington, DC
March 7–9 | Bethesda Row Cinema Bethesda, MD

One Festival, TWO LOCATIONS:
March 4–6 | E Street Cinema Washington, DC
March 7–9 | Bethesda Row Cinema Bethesda, MD
1/29/25, 5:00 PM

One Festival, TWO LOCATIONS:
March 4–6 | E Street Cinema Washington, DC
March 7–9 | Bethesda Row Cinema Bethesda, MD

One Festival, TWO LOCATIONS:
March 4–6 | E Street Cinema Washington, DC
March 7–9 | Bethesda Row Cinema Bethesda, MD

The second edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Polish Film Festival in Washington, DC, is almost here, and it's bigger than ever!


This year, we’re expanding to six days of captivating cinema, featuring 20 films: 11 feature films, several must-see shorts, and a lineup of special guests from both Polish and American film industries.

From gripping dramas about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine to heartfelt stories about young artists, environmental battles, struggling marriages, and coping with loss, this festival offers something for everyone. Each film brings its own unique energy, but all share a common thread—an intimate focus on human stories and deep psychological exploration. These films capture the complexity of everyday life, in a way that only Polish cinema can.


Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic mix of social commentary, personal narratives, and cinematic mastery.


Featured Films:

Check out the full list of film, their descriptions and schedule HERE

March 4–6 E Street Cinema

555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

  • Jesters, dir. Gabriela Muskała

  • Two Sisters, dir. Łukasz Karwowski

  • People, dir. Maciej Ślesicki

  • Wet Monday, dir. Justyna Mytnik

  • White Courage, dir. Marcin Koszałka


March 7–9 Bethesda Row Cinema

7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

  • It’s Not My Film, dir. Maria Zbąska

  • Sparrow, dir. Tomasz Gąssowski

  • Seasons, dir. Michał Grzybowski

  • Simona Kossak, dir. Adrian Paszek

  • Go Against the Flow, dir. Wiesław Paluch

  • Minghun, dir. Jan P. Matuszyński


Two Special Events You Can’t Miss:

  1. Opening NightMarch 4th, 7:0010:00 PM at the Shakespeare Theatre


Before that, at 4:00 PM at Landmarks' E Street Cinema, we’ll kick off the festival with film Jesters, directed by Gabriela Muskała, with a special introduction by prof. Iwona Sadowska from Georgetown University. Joining us for the screening are the film’s director Gabriela Muskałan and legendary Polish actor Zbigniew Zamachowski, who composed the film score.


After the film, gala ticket holders, festival pass holders, and VIPs are invited to relocate (7 min. walk) to the Opening Gala at the Shakespeare Theatre Company at 610 F Street NW Washington, DC.

Enjoy delicious food and wine, mingle with filmmakers and stars, and get a first look at all the films featured throughout the festival.


  1. “Focus on Ukraine” DayMarch 5th

    E Street Cinema

    555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

This special day will highlight the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, showcased through two powerful new Polish films:

  • 3:00–4:15 PM Welcome

  • 4:15–4:05 PM Short: Mine

  • 4:05–5:45 PM Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry), directed by Łukasz Karwowski

    Break

  • 6:15–8:15 PM People (Ludzie), directed by Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland - an introduction by JP Schutte, former U.S. Economic Counselor in Kyiv.


  • 8:20 PM Post-film discussion including:

    Łukasz Karwowski, director of Two Sisters

    Vladyslav Deva, 1st assistant director of People

    with special participation of:

    Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine

    Bogdan Klich, Chargé d'affaires of Poland

    Walter Goetz, Head of Liaison Office at the European Parliament

    Plus, representatives from U.S. Congress and Ukrainian organizations.


    Moderator: Michał Rutkowski, Regional Director for Human Development (ECA).



Closing Ceremony & AwardsMarch 9th

Bethesda Row Cinema

7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

We’ll wrap up the festival with the closing ceremony and awards announcements.


Festival Jury:

  • Honorary Patron: Agnieszka Holland

  • Sławomir Grünberg

  • Jan Komasa

  • Liliana Komorowska

  • Robert Tutak

  • Michał Oleszczyk


Join us for an unforgettable cinematic experience and celebrate the best of Polish filmmaking!




2025 KF Polish Film Festival Photo Gallery
2025 KF Polish Film Festival Photo Gallery

Second Edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington D.C. Polish Film Festival Concludes with Award Announcements
Second Edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington D.C. Polish Film Festival Concludes with Award Announcements

Meet the Festival special guests! Come to the movies and engage in the conversation!
Meet the Festival special guests! Come to the movies and engage in the conversation!

Focus on Ukraine:  Three films and post-film discussion - March 5, 2025
Focus on Ukraine: Three films and post-film discussion - March 5, 2025

Jesters (Błazny) opens the 2nd edition of the Festival - March 4, 2025 | 4:00 PM
Jesters (Błazny) opens the 2nd edition of the Festival - March 4, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award!
Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award!

Stay tuned for the second edition of the KFDC Polish Film Festival, taking place March 4-9, 2025!
Stay tuned for the second edition of the KFDC Polish Film Festival, taking place March 4-9, 2025!

KF WDCPFF Photo Gallery
KF WDCPFF Photo Gallery

The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival Awards and Conclusion
The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival Awards and Conclusion

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.

Martin Kabat, Chairman of the Board at The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival, live on Fox 5!
Martin Kabat, Chairman of the Board at The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival, live on Fox 5!

Watch Martin Kabat live on Fox 5 as he talks with Guy Lambert about our Festival! 

We are in the process of securing larger theater rooms for the films "Doppelganger" and "Scarborn"
We are in the process of securing larger theater rooms for the films "Doppelganger" and "Scarborn"

Due to exceptionally high demand, we are in the process of securing larger theater rooms for the films "Doppelganger" and "Scarborn" to accommodate more festival guests.

Actress Paulina Pytlak at the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival!
Actress Paulina Pytlak at the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival!

We are thrilled to announce that one of the most promising Polish actresses and the leading star of the film Feast of Fire, Paulina Pytlak, will join us at the Washington DC Polish Film Festival (May 10-12). She will participate in the Q&A session before the movie and meet with festival audiences.

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