Polish Film Festival North America 2026 Opens

The Polish Film Festival North America 2026, which showcases the latest Polish cinema for audiences in the United States, began Nov. 6. This year’s edition runs through Nov. 22 and includes feature films, documentaries and short films, among them U.S. premieres of Polish productions.

The festival opened Friday at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, near Chicago. The opening ceremony featured the U.S. premiere of “Lalka” (“The Doll”), directed by Maciej Kawalski, and the special guest was Jan Englert.

30 Films and Screenings in Cities Across America

This year’s program includes about 30 productions, among them both new Polish films and titles that recall important moments in the history of Polish cinema. Screenings are planned in a number of locations, including Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Miami, Long Island and Connecticut.

Among the festival’s key offerings are:

• “Dobry chłopiec” – Jan Komasa
• “Lalka” – Maciej Kawalski
• “Przez ścianę” – Maciej Sobieszczański
• “Pojedynek” – Łukasz Palkowski
• “Nasza rewolucja” – Piotr Domalewski
• “Jak żyć, żeby nie zwariować” – Tomasz Konecki and Iwona Ogonowska-Konecka
• “Światłoczuła” – Tadeusz Śliwa
• “Syrenka Picassa” – Janusz Zaorski

Organizers also announced meetings with actors and filmmakers, post-screening discussions and special events.

Jan Englert, Andrzej Wajda and Special Events in Chicago

A highlight of the Chicago leg of the festival is the presence of Jan Englert. On Saturday, Nov. 7, a screening of the documentary “Jan Englert. Spróbuję jeszcze raz pofrunąć,” directed by Maciej Dancewicz, is scheduled at Dwell Studio, 7449 W. Irving Park Rd. It will be followed by a meeting and conversation with the actor.

Dwell Studio is also hosting the exhibition “Rok Andrzeja Wajdy” (“The Year of Andrzej Wajda”), prepared in cooperation with the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology in Kraków. The exhibition presents sketches and drawings by the renowned director. Admission is free throughout the festival.

“Lalka” Among the Festival’s Biggest Draws

The adaptation of Bolesław Prus’s novel, directed by Maciej Kawalski, is one of the most anticipated offerings in this year’s program.

The film stars Marcin Dorociński as Stanisław Wokulski, Kamila Urzędowska as Izabela Łęcka and Marek Kondrat as Ignacy Rzecki. Maja Komorowska, Andrzej Seweryn, Krystyna Janda, Agata Kulesza and Jan Englert also appear on screen.

The film tells the story of the merchant Wokulski, who falls in love with Izabela Łęcka, a member of the impoverished aristocracy. It is a story of love, ambition, social divisions and dreams that can come at a high price.

Tickets and Festival Schedule

The Polish Film Festival North America 2026 runs through Nov. 22. In Chicago, a special pass covering eight selected festival screenings is also available. It does not include the opening and closing galas or selected accompanying events, which require separate tickets.

The detailed schedule, screening locations and ticket sales are available at:

• https://polishfilmfestival.com/
• https://mojbilet.com/

Editorial staff