Poland’s American Film Festival is ready to celebrate its Sweet Sixteen in November. Its industry strand US in Progress is accepting submissions until Sept. 10, looking for narrative projects in final stages of editing.
“We’re hoping that the uncertainty of the future of transatlantic collaboration – if Trump’s tariffs on film production outside of the U.S. are going to be implemented – will make our program even more sought after,” says artistic director Ula Śniegowska.
“It’s the only industry event outside the U.S. that focuses on and gives priority to American filmmakers in order to recognize and bring awareness of Polish production and post-production assets.”
The total value of last year’s awards reached $180,000.
This year, filmmakers will also visit the studios offering “cutting-edge technology” and services, from ATM Virtual to Platige Mocap Studio.
“US in Progress is an extremely important event for us. Meeting American producers and directors gives us an opportunity not only to exchange experiences, but also to support talented creators,” notes Marcelina Salwin, head of marketing at Platige Image. The company, with 30 years of experience in film production, VFX and animation, is known for “The Witcher” and “Another Day of Life,” and developing its own production “Opi,” a horror inspired by local folklore.
This year, the event will kick off in Warsaw, with two days of “professional networking with Warsaw-based companies,” says Śniegowska. Later moving to its home city of Wrocław.
AFF saw some familiar faces over the years – most recently, Jesse Eisenberg who accepted the Indie Star Award and presented the Oscar-winning “A Real Pain,” set in Poland. Previously, Rosanna Arquette and John Waters also picked up their statuettes.
“The pool of partner companies that open their doors to American filmmakers, sometimes first-time directors, is constantly growing,” assures Śniegowska. “The community of post-producers is also consolidating power through the newly formed Polish Post-Producers Association, which became our partner.”
As Pete Ohs’ “Erupcja” – also shot in Poland and completed with Platige Image’s Soundly Studio and Black Photon – is waiting for its Toronto premiere, other alumni have been traveling the festival circuit as well: that includes Sarah Friedland with the award-winning “Familiar Touch,” “Obex” by Albert Birney, “Bunnylovr” by Katrina Zhou and Juliette Lewis starrer “By Design” by Amanda Kramer.
“I’m very proud of ‘By Design,’ which received awards from Orka Studio and Soundflower Studio, and premiered at Sundance,” says Śniegowska. “What makes me really happy is that throughout the years, US in Progress fostered long-lasting collaborations, with a number of producers returning to the program.”
Just like “By Design’s” Sarah Winshall or Vanishing Angle team, who picked up the Polish Film Institute award for “Under the Lights” only last year. Platige Image, DI Factory and Fixafilm collaborated on its post-production.
“Winning these awards gave ‘Under the Lights’ an invaluable stamp of approval from the industry. It showed our partners and supporters that this was a film with real merit, and that recognition created a surge of momentum that carried us through post-production and ultimately helped us bring the film across the finish line,” admitted Natalie Metzger, VP of production and development at Vanishing Angle.
The team is now in post-production on another feature, “The Edge of Normal,” shot in America and finished in Spain.
“More and more, international co-productions are becoming a necessity. Rising filmmaking costs in the U.S. and broader access to funding abroad mean that completing films internationally is often one of the few viable paths forward for independent filmmakers in America.”
American Film Festival takes place from Nov. 6-11.
