"Someone is pushing Polish film production toward foreign platforms," said Agnieszka Holland, quoted by Gazeta Wyborcza.
The multiple-award-winning director admitted that she is facing increasing difficulties in securing international funding for her films, as institutions that could be involved no longer consider productions from PISF (Polish Film Institute) reliable enough.
Polish film industry faces crisis amid lack of ministry support and rising costs
"When we were making the film about Franz Kafka, a French bank refused us a loan, considering the documents from PISF and TVP (Polish Television) unreliable. Without such loans, it's hard to make films today," Holland revealed.
Regarding the dismissal of Karolina Rozmus, the former director of PISF, Holland stated that she was someone who was meant to reform the institution, but she wasn't given a chance. The director added that her dismissal leads to the destabilization of the institution, which could discourage the most qualified candidates from applying for the position.
Many other creators emphasized that without a change in the Ministry's approach, Polish film production risks losing its independence and being dominated by the interests of global streaming platforms.
The event was organized to present the film industry's proposals to Hanna Wróblewska, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
Representatives of the Polish film industry did not hide their frustration with the situation faced by many people involved in film production.
The problems include not only the financial crisis but also the lack of engagement from the Ministry of Culture in dialogue with filmmakers. Screenwriter Grzegorz Łoszewski pointed out the rising production costs, which are disproportionate to the funds available.
The meeting ended with a call for constructive talks with the Ministry of Culture, scheduled for December 17. Artists hope that they will be able to develop solutions that will help preserve the independence of Polish cinema.
Source: SFP/GW
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