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
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:
Opening Night – March 4th, 7:00–10:00 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.
“Focus on Ukraine” Day – March 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 & Awards – March 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
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
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:
Opening Night – March 4th, 7:00–10:00 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.
“Focus on Ukraine” Day – March 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 & Awards – March 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!
