The much-anticipated Kinoteka Polish Film Festival 2024 is back! It will offer cinephiles in New Delhi a captivating glimpse into the vibrant world of Polish cinema. Festival is scheduled to run from 16th to 18th December, with a carefully curated selection of films.
The opening ceremony of the Kinoteka will take place on 16th December at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre in New Delhi with the following program: high tea from 6.30 pm onwards, opening ceremony, followed by the movie screening.
Each year, as part of Kinoteka, we strive to showcase the latest in cinema. This year, Polish cinema has been particularly rich in biographies. With this theme in mind, we decided to present to Indian audiences the stories of three prominent Polish figures: “Simona Kossak” (2024), “Kulej. All That Glitters Isn’t Gold” (2024), and the critically acclaimed “My Nikifor” (2004), each from a different walk of life, told through two recent films and one classic production. What these individuals share is the struggle they each faced in resisting societal norms, established canons, or their own personal weaknesses. Kinoteka this year provides a unique opportunity for audiences in New Delhi to delve into the innovative storytelling and artistry emanating from Poland.
First on the lineup is Simona Kossak, directed by Adrian Panek. This film explores the life of one of Poland’s intriguing figure, – Simona Kossak, a biologist and activist dedicated to environmental conservation. Through film’s evocative storytelling, the film interweaves pressing ecological themes with Kossak’s passionate advocacy for nature, making it both a tribute to her legacy and a timely call to environmental action. The story is sure to resonate with viewers who hold a passion for sustainability and the natural world.
Second film at the Kinoteka Polish Film Festival 2024 to be screened is “Kulej: All That Glitters Isn’t Gold”, directed by Xawery Żuławski. The film vividly portrays the life of legendary Polish boxer Jerzy Kulej and his wife, Helena, set against the backdrop of Poland in the 1960s. It masterfully balances the highs of Kulej’s Olympic triumphs with the struggles of his personal life, painting a multifaceted picture of love, resilience, and ambition. By following the life of a boxer, the film delves into the intricate relationship between ambition and reality and remains a critical analysis of the true cost of ambition.
Another highlight of the festival is “My Nikifor”, directed by Krzysztof Krauze. This poignant biographical drama tells the story of Nikifor Krynicki, a naïve, outsider artist whose creative genius was as unconventional as it was profound. Making a strong case for the power of art as both self-expression and social commentary, the film speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Through Nikifor’s journey, viewers will be inspired to reflect on the deeper meanings of creativity and the impact of societal perception on artistic merit.
Entry to the festival is free and everyone is welcome to attend!
