The third edition of the Amsterdam Polish Film Festival, held at De Balie from October 18-20, 2024, was a tribute to the remarkable Polish film director Agnieszka Holland.
With three Oscar nominations to her name, Holland’s films confront difficult truths about humanity while deeply moving and engaging audiences. The festival’s theme, Focus on Humanity, captured the essence of her work. Each film screening sparked lively discussions, both during the official Q&A sessions and among attendees, about the films’ powerful messages and their relevance to our world today.
Here you will find a collection of photos and videos, including an inspiring interview with Agnieszka Holland and engaging conversations with other distinguished guests.
Conversation: Through the lens of time - the fever of the 1980’s in Poland
Moderator: Stefan Malešević
Guest: Barbara Malak-Minkiewicz and Bozena Kopczynska
The 1980s, a lost decade, were a tumultuous time in Poland, marked by political unrest and economic struggles. It is remembered as gloomy, depressive, with hardly any hopes for a better future. What was it like to live through it? Towards the end of 1980s the communist rule turned out to be a complete bankrupt, both economically and morally. Poland reached for its independence once more in 1989, this time successfully, giving an impulse to the fall of the whole Soviet bloc.
Live interview: The many faces of Agnieszka Holland
Moderator: Ianthe Mosselman
Honored Guest: Agnieszka Holland
Agnieszka Holland (1948) is a renowned Polish film director and screenwriter known for her contributions to world cinema. Her films, often delve into complex historical and political themes, offering profound insights into the human condition. She has successfully combined European and Hollywood filmmaking, as well as television. Holland’s work has garnered numerous awards, including Oscar nominations, showcasing her ability to create emotionally resonant and socially relevant cinema.
Conversation: How migration really works?
Moderator: Ianthe Mosselman
Guest: prof. Hein de Haas and Joely Mbundu
What are the main concerns regarding migration? Why is the discussion about it so difficult? Should it be restricted or promoted? And what is it like to be a migrant?
Conversation: Humanity within us - facing challenging choices
Moderator: Dore van Duivenbode
Guest: Bibi Dumon Tak
Is compassion an integral part of human nature or is it experienced only by some of us? Is it a gift or can it be learnt? And why some humans think that we are entitled to rule the realm of nature?
Festival Partners and Sponsors
Amsterdam Polish Film Festival is organized by Polish Culture NL in cooperation with De Balie and co-sponsored by AFK.
