The week-long 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is set to commence on November 6, celebrating the best of global cinema with Poland as the spotlight country this year. Audiences can look forward to an impressive Polish Focus, featuring 19 films that span timeless classics, contemporary works, and acclaimed documentaries—each reflecting the depth, diversity, and artistic brilliance of Polish cinema.
Speaking about the collaboration, Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish Institute New Delhi, said: “The Polish Institute in New Delhi is delighted to collaborate with the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival, which features a strong Polish Focus comprising 19 films—spanning timeless classics, contemporary masterpieces, and compelling documentaries that showcase the depth and diversity of Polish cinema.”
This year’s festival will also pay a special tribute to one of Poland’s most iconic filmmakers, Wojciech Has, on the occasion of his birth centenary. The retrospective will present three of his greatest works—The Saragossa Manuscript, The Hourglass Sanatorium, and The Doll.
“We are honoured that the 31st KIFF is commemorating the centenary of Wojciech Has by screening three of his most celebrated films—The Saragossa Manuscript, The Hourglass Sanatorium, and The Doll. Has’s remarkable legacy as a visionary filmmaker remains a source of immense pride for Polish cinema, and this retrospective is a fitting tribute to his enduring influence,” added Ms. Wejsis-Gołębiak.
Adding to the celebrations is a special Exhibition of Polish Film Posters, an initiative that highlights Poland’s distinctive poster art tradition—renowned worldwide for its originality and visual storytelling. The exhibition brings this artistic legacy to Kolkata, a city known for its deep cinematic roots and creative vibrancy.
“The Exhibition of Polish Film Posters is a heartfelt initiative to bring the distinctive art of Polish poster design to the culturally rich city of Kolkata—a city with a legendary cinematic tradition shaped by its many film stalwarts. This exhibition celebrates the cinematic spirit and rich film culture of Poland,” noted Ms. Wejsis-Gołębiak.
With a compelling line-up of films and art, the Polish Focus at KIFF 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and cinematic dialogue between Poland and India.
