The celebrated Ekran Toronto Polish Film Festival is expanding beyond Toronto this year, bringing exclusive screenings to Mississauga and Hamilton for the first time in its history.
Now in its 16th year, the festival runs from Thursday, November 20 to Sunday, November 30, showcasing the best of Polish and European cinema, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. As the only Polish film festival in Canada, the event will feature more than 30 films, along with appearances by directors, producers, and actors.
The festival opens on Nov. 20 at Toronto’s Revue Cinema with the Canadian premiere of the historical epic Chopin, a Sonata in Paris (Chopin, Chopin!), directed by Michał Kwieciński.
Mississauga Screenings Begin Nov. 24
In Mississauga, screenings will be held starting Nov. 24 at the Living Arts Centre, located at 4141 Living Arts Dr.
A featured screening of Franz (Franz Kafka), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26. This film is Poland’s official contender for the 98th Academy Awards and winner of four awards at the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia.
A reception will follow at the Art Gallery of Mississauga, 300 City Centre Dr.
Other films scheduled for Mississauga include:
- A.L.
- Operation Pope
- The Fish
- The In-Laws 3
- Chopin, a Sonata in Paris (Chopin, Chopin!)
- The Saragossa Manuscript
One-Day Hamilton Program on Dec. 13
Hamilton audiences can experience the festival on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. with a screening of Chopin, a Sonata in Paris (Chopin, Chopin!) at the Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N.
A special wine and cheese reception will follow at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, 126 James St. S., featuring a live piano performance.
Special Events
This year’s festival also includes:
- A retrospective of short films by director Rafal Sokolowski on Nov. 23 at the University of Toronto
- An exhibition of film posters from legendary Polish director Jerzy Hass
- Special guest Dobromir Dymecki, a renowned Polish actor, serving as MC on opening night and appearing for screenings of his films Operation Pope and Sex for Dummies
The expanded festival promises a rich cultural celebration across three major cities, offering Canadian audiences a rare opportunity to experience world-class Polish cinema.