Both the public and members of the Polish Film Academy will have the opportunity to revisit the most notable releases of the past year.
The festival traditionally opens with a film outside of the main competition, and this year is no exception. Audiences will be treated to a screening of Jak być kochaną by Wojciech Jerzy Has—an homage to the first-ever recipient of the Orły Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.
A diverse line-up
According to festival coordinator Rafał Pawłowski, the programme comprises 70 titles that met the Orły’s eligibility requirements, including a minimum seven-day theatrical release in 2024. Ranging from war dramas to documentary gems, these films represent Poland’s recent creative output at its finest.
Among the highlights are:
- “Pod wulkanem,” Poland’s official entry for the Oscars, directed by Damian Kocur
- “Biała odwaga,” a wartime drama from Marcin Koszałka
- “Minghun,” directed by Jan P. Matuszyński
- “To nie mój film,” the debut by Maria Zbąska
- “Dziewczyna z igłą,” a multiple-award winner directed by Magnus von Horn
- “Wróbel,” from Tomasz Gąssowski
- “Kobieta z…,” co-directed by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert
Documentary fans, meanwhile, can look forward to:
- “Wanda Rutkiewicz. Ostatnia wyprawa,” an exploration of Poland’s legendary Himalayan climber, directed by Eliza Kubarska
- “Las,” by Lidia Duda
- “Drzewa milczą,” a festival-favourite documentary directed by Agnieszka Zwiefka
In addition to screenings, the festival will host over 30 Q&A sessions featuring directors and cast members. Running until 8 February, the event leads into several major announcements:
- 12 February: Orły nominations are unveiled
- 5 March: The recipient of the Orzeł (Eagle) for Lifetime Achievement is announced
- 10 March: The 27th annual Orły Awards ceremony takes place, where Polish Film Academy members choose the final winners among the nominees
(jh)
Source: IAR, PNF