JOANNA ŁAPINSKA CHAMPIONS POLISH CINEMA'S GLOBAL RISE AT GDYNIA FESTIVAL

Polish cinema has long had a unique voice, distinct history, and a bold artistic perspective thanks to the legendary filmmakers like Andrzej Wajda, Wojciech Has, Krzysztof Kieslowski, and Krzysztof Zanussi.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

At the helm of this cinematic journey is the Polish Film Festival that takes place every year in Gdynia, Poland. The organizers of the festival, which is set to celebrate its golden jubilee next year, include the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, Polish Film Institute (PISF), and Polish Filmmakers Association.

Joanna Łapinska, Artistic Director, Polish Film Festival, brings fresh insights and initiatives to further elevate Polish cinema on the international stage. She is the first woman in the festival's history to be appointed to this post. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, Łapinska shares her vision for the festival, her challenges in establishing the festival's newest 'Perspective' section, and her strategy to ensure that Polish cinema finds its place globally.

Łapinska is a member of the European Film Academy and has a rich history with film festivals, having directed the New Horizons Film Festival for 15 years and the Transatlantyk Festival for several years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Polish Film Festival, making her appointment as Artistic Director last year a strategic move for Polish cinema. However, bringing her vision to life is no simple task. "My contract is for three years, but every significant decision has to go through an organizing committee," she explains.

This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Polish Film Institute, and other cultural bodies.

Despite these layers, she has already made notable changes, such as launching the 'Perspective' competition, a new platform dedicated to showcasing young and emerging Polish talent.

For Łapinska, creating this competition was about inclusivity and diversity in storytelling, a reflection of Poland's rich, evolving cinema.