A Potpourri of Vestiges Feature
The Polish Institute is pleased to
announce a specially curated series of Polish film screenings, organised in
collaboration with the India International Centre Film Club. The screenings
will be held from the 21st of April to the 8th of May 2025 at the C.D. Deshmukh
Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi. This unique programme
presents a selection of acclaimed feature films by Polish directors, along with
two remarkable documentaries highlighting the lives of extraordinary Poles with
deep connections to India — painter Stefan Norblin and the theosophist Wanda
Dynowska.
Speaking
about the initiative, Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish
Institute New Delhi, said, “Polish cinema has long been a mirror to our
nation’s soul—rich in history, artistry, and human depth. We are proud to bring
these powerful stories to Indian audiences, celebrating the enduring legacy of
Polish filmmakers and the unique ties between our cultures.”
The
series opens on 21st April 2025 with Feast of Fire (94 min, 2023),
directed by Kinga Dębska. The film tells the moving story of two sisters
navigating the challenges of disability and ambition in contemporary Poland.
The screening begins at 6:30 pm and the film has received numerous accolades,
including Best Debut Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and the Golden Kangaroo
for Best Film at the Polish Film Festival 2023, as well as the Audience Award
at the Polish Film Festival in America.
On
23rd April 2025, audiences will be treated to Ultima Thule (79 min,
2023), directed by Klaudiusz Chrostowski. Set on Britain’s most isolated
island, Foula, the film follows Bartek, a man in search of meaning after the
sudden loss of his father. A meditation on solitude, memory, and the
transformative power of nature, Ultima Thule was honoured with the Best
Director Award at the Koszalin Festival of Film Debuts and the Best Film Award
at the Polish Film Festival 2023.
Song
of Goats (104 min, 2023), directed by
Andrzej Jakimowski, will be screened on 28th April 2025. A poignant tale set on
a remote Greek island, the film follows Andreas, a man entangled in emotional
and financial debt, as he discovers love and the fragility of rural life. The
film has won multiple international awards, including Best Feature Film at the
Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards and Best Film at the Alexandria
Mediterranean Film Festival.
On
30th April 2025, Imagine (105 min, 2012), also directed by Andrzej Jakimowski,
will offer a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Set in a Lisbon clinic for
the blind, the film focuses on Ian, an unconventional instructor who encourages
his students to navigate the world through courage and imagination. A story of
exploration beyond physical boundaries, Imagine is a heartfelt and
visually stunning feature.
The
documentaries begin on 2nd May 2025 with Chitraanjali: Stefan Norblin in
India (59 min, 2011), directed by Malgorzata Skiba. The film chronicles the
forgotten yet fascinating journey of Polish artist Stefan Norblin, who found
refuge in India during World War II and contributed immensely to royal art
commissions in Morvi, Ramgarh, and Jodhpur. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak notes,
“This screening is not just a tribute to Norblin’s legacy but also a
celebration of the shared artistic and historical connections between our two
nations.”
The
programme concludes on 8th May 2025 with Enlightened Soul: The Three Names
of Umadevi (52 min, 2015), directed by Tonmoy Das. Introduced by producer
Sujata Sett, the film explores the remarkable life of Wanda Dynowska, a Polish
theosophist and humanitarian who spent decades in India supporting multiple freedom
movements and fostering intercultural unity. Known in India as Umadevi, she
became a revered figure among Tibetans and Indians alike, yet remains
relatively unknown in contemporary discourse. Her life, marked by devotion,
service, and sacrifice, stands as a beacon of spiritual and humanitarian
ideals.
This special series not only showcases the artistic excellence of Polish cinema but also deepens the cultural bridge between Poland and India, bringing to light shared histories and enduring human stories.
These screenings are part of Europe
Weeks 2025. Come and celebrate the richness of Polish cinema with us! Entry to
all screenings is free and open to all.
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