Austin Polish Film Festival Presents Jestem
The Austin Polish Society kicks of its 50 Years of the Lodz School festivities tonight with the regional premiere of Jestem, with director Dorota Kedzierzawska in attendance. This inaugural Austin Polish Film Festival will feature a month-long salute to some of Poland’s greatest film artists. The Alamo on South Lamar will play host to the festival, screening a selection from an acclaimed director of the Lodz School each Thursday for the month of October.
The National Film School of Poland in Lodz, epicenter of Polish film, was established following the end of WWII. The school's notoriety cemented Lodz as an important cultural center. It boasts a list of illustrious alumni, including Krzysztof Kieslowski, who attended in the 1960s.
Proceeds from the festival will fund scholarships for University of Texas and Lodz School film students.
“The film festival is an integral part of our efforts to cement stronger economic, cultural and educational ties between the city of Austin and the city of Lodz,” said festival co-chair, Mark Hall, an organizer of the Austin-Lodz Sister City initiative.
Tonight’s screening, Jestem (“I Am”) is based on the true story of a resourceful 11-year-old boy, who escapes from his orphanage to return to his hometown. When he discovers he is not welcome there, he is forced to make his own home, using his wits and survival instincts to overcome trying circumstances in this character-driven story.
As part of this month's events, The Harry Ransom Center will display rare Polish film posters from the collection of Richard Linklater. The exhibit will run October 4-22. Information on upcoming screenings, including a Lodz School student film showcase, can be found here.
Austin Polish Film Festival Screening: Jestem
Thursday, October 5th
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
7:00 pm
Passes or tickets.
Tickets
Graphic by Leszek Zebrowksi.
