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The Warsaw Film School is proud to announce a worldwide film screening event to mark the third anniversary of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Entitled Third Anniversary of Solidarity With Ukraine, this international event will showcase multiple screenings of the feature fiction film Ludzie (People), directed by Polish filmmakers Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland, across 36 cities in 33 countries (complete list below), beginning February 19, 2025 until March 5, 2025. Ludzie is produced by Maciej Ślesicki of the Warsaw Film School.

Artur Zaborski, event organizer: “We’re immensely proud to showcase the Third Anniversary of Solidarity With Ukraine as the very first film event of its kind to commemorate the war in Ukraine on such a broad global scale, with screenings of Ludzie across 36 cities in 33 countries.…...

A worldwide film screening event will mark the third anniversary of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Entitled “Third Anniversary of Solidarity With Ukraine,” the event will see screenings of the feature fiction film Ludzie (People), directed by Polish filmmakers Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland, across 36 cities in 33 countries beginning on Feb. 19 and running through March 5.

“Based on the harsh realities of the current war in Ukraine” and featuring an entirely Ukrainian cast, the film “follows five women representing various generations and attitudes as they engage in a desperate fight to save themselves and their loved ones,” according to a synopsis. “Thrown together by life, they are the protagonists in an uplifting story about life, courage, sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit.”

Produced by Maciej Ślesicki of the Warsaw Film School, An Holding has picked up theatrical rights for the movie for North America. Magnetes Pictures holds the theatrical rights for Ireland,...

What a difference a year makes. In the weeks after last year’s edition of the Polish Film Festival, the country batted away a far-right insurgency. Where last year’s festival was conspicuous for its inclusion of films that seemed to exist above all else to express nationalistic pride, the 49th edition was a showcase of more liberal sentiments and artistic styles.

Amid a sea of rising fascism in Central and Eastern Europe, Poland’s relative holding down the fort of nominal liberalism has been surprising. It seemed to translate into a sunnier festival this year, which extended to the vibrant festival logo. Last year’s frequent rain and rippling winds were supplanted by weather more befitting the “Cannes of Poland,” as locals affectionately call the Gdynia-based festival. The festive mood was infectious, with staff frequently and excitedly discussing next year’s 50th jubilee, and the promise of a more progressive country.