2018 POLISH FILM FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 19-21, 2018

Alma Duncan Salon (Level 3), Ottawa Art Gallery
Entrance: 10 Daly Avenue or 50 Mackenzie King Bridge

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Past Events

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Polish Film Festival: BREAKING THE LIMITS (Najlepszy)
Oct 21
Polish Film Festival: BREAKING THE LIMITS (Najlepszy)

Sunday, Oct. 21, 6:45pm

Łukasz Palkowski, 2017 | 110 minutes

Breaking The Limits is based on the true story of Jerzy Gorski (Jakub Gierszal), a former drug addict who overcomes his demons to set a world record at the 1990 World Triathlon Championships Double Ironman competition. The film also explores his relationships with the women in his life, one of whom does not make it out alive.  Winner of the Audience Award at the 2017 Polish Film Festival in Gydnia.

Presented with English subtitles.

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Polish Film Festival: BLIND CHANCE (Przypadek)
Oct 21
Polish Film Festival: BLIND CHANCE (Przypadek)

Sunday, Oct. 21, 4:00pm

Krzysztof Kieślowski, 1987 | 122 minutes

Krzysztof Kieślowski’s classic Blind Chance is a meditation on the concept of fate. The film is divided into three vignettes surrounding Witek (Bogusław Linda).The film surrounds the differences in Witek’s life when he interacts with people on a Polish train. His life changes dramatically based on the differences in hisinteractions. The film was shot in 1981, but not released till 1987 due to suppression by the Polish authorities. A classic.

Presented with English subtitles.

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Polish Film Festival: BODY (Ciało)
Oct 20
Polish Film Festival: BODY (Ciało)

Saturday, Oct. 20, 8:45pm

Małgorzata  Szumowska, 2015 | 90 minutes

Body centres around Attorney Janusz Koprowicz (Janusz Gajos) worried about his daughter Olga (Justyna Suwala) and her battle with anorexia. Olga is sent to unconventional therapist Anna (Maja Ostaszewska) to help her with her issues as well as the recent death of Olga’s mother. The film was warmly received at several festivals, including a Golden Lion at the 2015 Polish Film Festival and a Silver Bear at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival. The film’s dynamic editing also won recognition for the editor Jacek Drosio at the 2015 European Film Awards.

Presented with English subtitles.

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Polish Film Festival: THE LAST FAMILY (Ostatnia rodzina)
Oct 20
Polish Film Festival: THE LAST FAMILY (Ostatnia rodzina)

Saturday, Oct. 20, 6:30pm

Jan P. Matuszyński, 2016 | 122 minutes

The Last Family film explores the life of Polish painter Zdzislaw Beksinski (Andrzej Seweryn). A tumultuous family drama, Family explores the painter’s relationship with his wife Zofia (Aleksandra Konieczna), and his son Tomasz (Dawid Ogrodnik). The film explores the struggle to make art and life in the bleak environment of postwar Warsaw. This engaging film won the Golden Lion for Best Film at the 2016 Gdynia Film Festival.

Presented with English subtitles.

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Polish Film Festival: LIFE FEELS GOOD (Chce się żyć)
Oct 19
Polish Film Festival: LIFE FEELS GOOD (Chce się żyć)

Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30pm

Maciej Pieprzyca, 2013 | 112 minutes

Life Feels Good tells the story of Mateusz Rosiński (played brilliantly by Dawid Ogrodnik), a man suffering with the effects of cerebral palsy. The condition has made it difficult for him to communicate, and to be accepted as a sentient individual by those around him. The film examines the challenges of romance and sexuality for the disabled. It also explores his mistreatment when placed in an institution. Through it all, Mateusz perseveres with strength, dignity, and even humour. The film was a hit on the festival circuit, having won the Public Award at the 2013 Montreal World Film Festival as well as several acting awards at the 2014 Polish Film Awards.

Presented with English subtitles.

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The Canadian Film Institute is proud to present this survey of contemporary Polish cinema, as well as a thirty-one year-old masterpiece by the late Polish master of cinema, Krzysztof Kieślowski. Presented in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

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TICKETS:

  • General Admission: $13

  • CFI Members, Seniors, Students, Children: $9

Tickets available at the door (cash or card) or online (link on each screening page).