Poland’s American Film Festival Bets on U.S. Indies and Community Building: ‘Half the People I Know in L.A. I Met in Poland’

Thank you! I’m glad that we can help each other in different ways. It’s like a new wave of U.S. filmmakers, far away from the Hollywood system.

The Polish American Film Festival persists in favoring U.S. independent movies over Hollywood blockbusters and high-budget films from smaller production companies known as mini-majors

According to director and producer Rob Rice, the festival specifically chooses a particular kind of project – they are authentic independent films, not those that win the Independent Spirit Award or have budgets less than $40 million. By “real” indies, he means movies that are small-scale productions, not something like “December’s May,” which features stars and larger budgets

“Those who accompany them share a unique shorthand among themselves. We’re all facing similar challenges, and collectively, we’re attempting to fool the industry into believing our productions resemble genuine cinematic masterpieces.”

“The artistic director, Ula Śniegowska, notes that there’s no shortage of captivating events in American independent cinema. She points to three filmmakers who have come through the [fest’s industry sidebar] U.S. in Progress as particularly noteworthy: Anu Valia (‘We Strangers’), India Donaldson (‘Good One’), and Sarah Friedland. These directors are showcasing fresh female perspectives on women’s experiences, maintaining an atmosphere that is both intimate and personal,” says Ula Śniegowska

Earlier this week, Friedland unveiled “Familiar Touch” in Venice, drawing upon her past projects that involved capturing movement and working with elderly individuals on screen. According to Śniegowska, she’ll be heading back to Poland soon to search for filming locations in the Lower Silesia region

“I wish for independent filmmakers, free from the constraints of Hollywood.” This rephrased sentence keeps the focus on independent filmmakers, detached from the standardized approach of major studio productions. It maintains an authentic and unique atmosphere

Here’s a possible rephrasing of the original sentence:

Śniegowska highlights another intriguing aspect: a collective of filmmakers offering mutual aid. This serves as an appealing substitute for conventional production techniques, she notes, emphasizing the festival’s continuous admiration for those who boldly champion independent cinema and consistently demonstrate courage in their decisions

Previously, AFF honored Adela Romanski, producer of “Moonlight” and “Aftersun,” and Alex Ross Perry, following the Italian debut of “Pavements,” with its Indie Star Awards. However, this year, it’s impossible to dodge high-stakes politics

Śniegowska says, “The festival starts on the day following the U.S. Presidential election. The day after the event could reveal an entirely new world for us.”

“We didn’t avoid discussing that subject, instead we chose to showcase five films that delve into the American electoral process. These include ‘A Face in the Crowd’ by Elia Kazan and ‘The Manchurian Candidate.’ Polish political analysts will introduce these movies. Additionally, Robert Altman’s lesser-known [1984 drama] ‘Secret Honor’ is a reenactment of Richard Nixon’s speech after the Watergate scandal.”

Altman’s retrospective will encompass “Popeye,” a heartfelt homage to the late star Shelley Duvall at the festival, and it will delve deeper into the work of female artists, specifically those who didn’t receive the recognition they deserved, according to Śniegowska

Lora Webb Nichols is a photographer, entrepreneur, and housewife, while Dorothy Arzner was once the sole female director in Hollywood. Local artist Zuzanna Wrońska will provide the live musical accompaniment for Arzner’s comedy “Get Your Man.” (Paraphrased to simplify language and structure)

“It’s been incredibly helpful! At least [AFF] connected me with people I can genuinely empathize with, of course, life is incredibly challenging. In fact, half the people I know in L.A., I met in Poland. I chat with them frequently,” explains Rice, who is currently preparing for his second feature film “Ponderosa.” He also produced “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point,” scheduled to be released in November through IFC Films

I’m thrilled to be part of the refreshed competition arena for aspiring independent filmmakers, now known as Breakthrough. Here, ten films will battle it out for the Audience Award and a $10,000 prize. Notable past winners include Debra Granik, Colin Trevorrow, and Destin Daniel Cretton, director of “Short Term 12.”

“It helps us endure the numerous criticisms that come with our work by giving us an emotional base. Moreover, the festival doesn’t just offer exposure; it provides practical resources, which is essential for us as we struggle to piece together these films. He emphasizes the significance of this ‘community building.'”

“I’ve never felt as nurtured as I did at AFF. I hope the future accounts of these years in American independent filmmaking will do justice to this significant period.”

American Film Festival will unspool from Nov. 5 to 11.

2024-09-05 18:27

Poland’s American Film Festival Bets on U.S. Indies and Community Building: ‘Half the People I Know in L.A. I Met in Poland’

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