INDIA: The week-long 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is set to begin on November 6, bringing together cinephiles from around the world to celebrate the best of global cinema. This year, the festival proudly honors Poland as the spotlight country, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the depth and brilliance of Polish filmmaking through an exclusive Polish Focus segment.
The Polish Focus will feature 19 carefully curated films representing timeless classics, modern masterpieces, and thought-provoking documentaries. Each film has been selected to showcase the remarkable range of Polish cinema, from its post-war storytelling traditions to its contemporary explorations of identity, history, and art.
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Speaking about the collaboration, Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish Institute New Delhi, expressed her excitement, saying, “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.”
One of the key highlights of this year’s KIFF is the special tribute to the legendary Polish filmmaker Wojciech Has, marking the centenary of his birth. The retrospective will screen three of his most celebrated works — The Saragossa Manuscript, The Hourglass Sanatorium, and The Doll. Known for his surreal visual style and profound storytelling, Has remains a towering figure in world cinema, whose influence continues to inspire generations of filmmakers.
Ms. Wejsis-Gołębiak added, “We are honoured that the 31st KIFF is commemorating the centenary of Wojciech Has by screening three of his most celebrated films. 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.”
Adding an artistic dimension to the festivities, KIFF 2025 will also feature a special Exhibition of Polish Film Posters, a creative initiative highlighting Poland’s world-renowned poster art tradition. For decades, Polish poster design has stood out for its originality, symbolism, and visual storytelling, making it an integral part of the country’s cinematic identity.
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“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.
Kolkata International Film Festival Strengthens Poland–India Ties
As one of India’s most prestigious film festivals, KIFF has long served as a cultural bridge, fostering artistic dialogue between nations. The 2025 edition continues this legacy by strengthening the creative bond between Poland and India, two countries with deep-rooted cinematic traditions and passionate audiences.
From masterful storytelling to artistic innovation, the Polish Focus at KIFF 2025 promises to immerse audiences in a vibrant world of cinema that transcends borders. It is not only a celebration of films but also a tribute to cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and the timeless power of visual storytelling.
With its rich line-up of screenings, retrospectives, and exhibitions, the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival reaffirms its role as a global platform for filmmakers and film lovers alike — where the magic of cinema continues to inspire and unite audiences across continents.
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