The 19th New York Polish Film Festival is underway. The event attracts New Yorkers, but also brings together the American Polish community and friends of Poles. Screenings at Scandinavia House in Manhattan have already concluded, but films can still be watched online until June 20.

After the cinema screenings, the Jury, consisting of Karolina Porcari – actress and director (chairperson of the Jury), Zofia Schroten-Czerniejewicz – producer and journalist, and Bartek Rainski – producer, awarded their four prizes. The fifth prize will be awarded by the audience after the conclusion of the online screenings.

Beyond Borders

The main Beyond Borders Award named after Krzysztof Kie?lowski for the best film was given to "Green Border" directed by Agnieszka Holland for creating a moving depiction of human drama that transcends time and borders, leaving no room for indifference. "Green Border" is more than a film - it is a reflection on humanity, touching its deepest values, according to the Jury's justification.

The El?bieta Czy?ewska Award for the best acting performance went to Eryk Biedunkiewicz for his role as Anto? in the film "Kajtek the Wizard" directed by Magdalena ?azarkiewicz. For creating a character that captivates the viewer's heart, for dedication, and magical talent that takes us into a beautiful, colorful yet challenging world of adulthood, justified the Jury.

For the same film, Maja Komorowska was also awarded for her role as the grandmother. For a magnetic acting performance, for creating a positive character whose warmth and ethos remain with the viewer long after watching the film, wrote the Jury.

The award for the best documentary film went to "Until the Last Drop" directed by Ewa Ewart, for the ability to address such a challenging topic as the health of planet Earth with sensitivity and insight. For the hope of a better tomorrow and for reminding us that the human body is made up of 70% water.

The New York screenings at Scandinavia House have already concluded, but the festival's online edition continues until June 20, allowing festival films to be watched outside of New York as well. More information: https://www.nypff.com/

The main sponsor of the festival for many years has been ?ywiec (Grupa ?ywiec S.A.). The event also received support from the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, the Polish Cultural Institute in New York, the Polish Mission to the UN, and the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, as well as other organizations, Polish diaspora press, and private individuals.