![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://polishnews.us/pffna-just-getting-started-in-new-york/&media=https://polishnews.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/1FESTIWAL.jpg&description=The Polish Film Festival North America holds its official New York opening Nov. 15 with "Lalka," "Przez ścianę" and a Q&A with actress Maria Dębska.){kind=link}
The first screenings at the Polish Film Festival North America have already taken place, but the official New York opening of this major celebration of Polish cinema on the East Coast will be held Sunday, Nov. 15. Tickets for the screenings can be purchased on the website: www.mojbilet.com.
***
The Polish Film Festival North America is winning over the East Coast of the United States for the second time. The first edition, held a year ago, drew great interest and proved a major success.
This year, the organizers decided to top their debut and prepared a series of screenings of films that are breaking popularity records in Poland. Unsurprisingly, the biggest draw is “Lalka” (“The Doll”), the Polish box-office hit of 2026, but audiences are also eagerly choosing other screenings.
“Nasza rewolucja”
This film is fresh off the press: it had its Polish premiere only a few days ago, on Nov. 11. But it has already stirred enormous emotions in Poland and is drawing crowds to Polish theaters. Piotr Domalewski’s “Nasza rewolucja” offers a somewhat different take on the fight for freedom. Rather than focusing solely on politics, the filmmakers take viewers into the private world of two people who decided to devote their lives to a cause greater than themselves.
The film’s protagonists are Jacek Kuroń and his first wife, Grażyna, known as Gaja. Their story unfolds during the turbulent years of opposition activity in communist Poland. Jacek becomes involved in the fight against the system, and their apartment becomes an important meeting place for people associated with the democratic opposition. But political commitment does not leave family life untouched. The film asks how to reconcile great ideals with everyday life, love and the need for closeness.
Arkadiusz Jakubik plays Jacek Kuroń, while Magdalena Popławska plays Grażyna Gaja Kuroń.
“Przez ścianę”
Maciej Sobieszczański’s much-talked-about film “Przez ścianę” can be seen Nov. 15 at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan. It is a moving story of love born in one of the darkest periods of Poland’s postwar history. The film is based on true events and reminds viewers that even in the most inhuman conditions, people can hold on to hope.
The whole story begins in 1947. Wiesława Pajdak, arrested for her activity in the anti-communist underground, is sent to prison in Warsaw’s Mokotów district. Soon Jerzy Śmiechowski is placed in the neighboring cell. A wall separates the two young people, but one night they manage to make contact using Morse code. That is how an acquaintance begins that will change their lives forever.
Maria Dębska and Jakub Gierszał star in the leading roles, joined on screen by Agnieszka Grochowska and Arkadiusz Jakubik, among others.
“Przepis na święta”
The PFFNA organizers have made sure that fans of every film genre will find something for themselves at the festival. There are tougher, moving and heart-wrenching pictures, but also romantic comedies that deliver moments of laughter and emotion. “Przepis na święta,” directed by Magdalena Nieć, is a warm film that reminds viewers that the most important things in life cannot be bought or planned.
Zofia Jastrzębska and Piotr Stramowski play the leads. Also appearing on screen are outstanding Polish actors Danuta Stenka, Adam Woronowicz, Sonia Mietielica and Wiktor Wieczorek.
The film is an ideal choice for couples and entire families alike. It has plenty of humor, romantic mishaps and, of course, culinary inspiration. The holiday setting is more than just a pretty backdrop: it is a reminder of the importance of closeness, acceptance and mutual understanding.
Meet Maria Dębska!
The PFFNA organizer has prepared a special treat for fans of Polish cinema in New York. On Nov. 15, two screenings will take place at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan: “Lalka” will begin at 3 p.m., followed by “Przez ścianę” at 6:30 p.m. Those who buy tickets to one of these screenings, or to both, will be able to take part in a meeting with Maria Dębska! The actress, who appeared in both “Lalka” and “Przez ścianę,” will answer questions from the audience. There will also be an opportunity to take a photo with her.
Tickets for the “Lalka” screening on that day are already sold out, but a few last tickets remain for “Przez ścianę” – first come, first served!
Maria Dębska will also appear Nov. 20 in Chicago at a screening of “Lalka,” and Nov. 21 in Miami for “Lalka” and “Przez ścianę.”
Source: Nowy Dziennik