Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival (AAPFF)
The Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival (AAPFF) is an annual event organized by the Polish Cultural Fund – Ann Arbor in collaboration with the Ann Arbor Polonia Association and the Polish Student Association UM. Established by Jolanta Nowak in 1993, the festival has evolved into a diverse program featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films chosen through a juried competition. Additionally, attendees have the opportunity to engage in discussions and meetings with Polish filmmakers, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Polish cinema and culture.
See more on the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival website.
Lalka/The Doll
November 13 | 7:30 PM
This film is an adaptation of the famous 19th-century novel, The Doll by Boleslaw Prus, one of the greatest works of Polish literature. A self-made man Stanislaw Wokulski falls in love with Izabela Lecka, a beautiful impoverished aristocrat. His romantic pursuit, along with clashing expectations and class differences, leads to numerous complications and an unexpected conclusion. Directed by Maciej Kawalski.
Smok Diplodok/The Green Dinosaur
November 14 | 10:00 AM
The little Diplodocus dinosaur dreams of going on a great adventure. Unfortunately, his overprotective parents won't let him explore the beautiful but dangerous world beyond the wall they built to protect their home in the jungle. Directed by Wojciech Wawszczyk.
Cicha wędrówka/Silent Drift
November 14 | 1:00 PM
A short nature and science documentary focusing on the ecosystem of the Tatra Mountains and their glaciers. The film reveals the fragility of these mighty mountains and the inevitability of the changes they are undergoing due to human activity. Directed by Konrad Borusiewicz.
The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival
November 14 | 1:30 PM
The life and survival of the renowned painter through her powerful paintings – from her rise to international stardom in 1920s Paris, to her move to the United States fleeing fascism in 1940, to her revival in the current art market. The film follows this remarkable refugee as she reinvents herself multiple times, looking behind the veneer of the publicity she generated for herself and examining the bisexual, Jewish artist who embodied talent, resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. Directed by Julie Rubio.
Short Films Program
November 14 | 4:00 PM
Dluga przerwa/Recess, dir. Jan Saczek, 2025, short narrative, 20 min
Ania, a young elementary school teacher, accidentally sends a nude photo of herself to a student who has a crush on her.
Nibylandex/Neverlandex, dir. Agata Kapuscinska, 2025, short narrative, 23 min
Piotr lives in the belief that sooner or later he will die because of his allergies. His overprotective father treats him like a child, bombarding him with scary stories. One day Piotr comes across an old crossword puzzle that throws him on a journey towards independence.
Patrze w niebo/I Gaze at the Sky, dir. Alexandra Strunin, 2025, short narrative, 24 min
The early days of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian children displaced by the conflict are brought to a Russian elementary school. One of them turns out to be the long-lost nephew of Victoria, a music teacher of Ukrainian descent. Victoria awakens from the slumber of Russian propaganda and begins a desperate fight to save the boy.
Jagody/Blueberries
November 14 | 6:00 PM
Followed by Q&A with the director, Marta Kowalska.
Sara is preparing to celebrate her engagement with her future husband’s family. Her plans are upended by the death of a stranger. Swept into a whirlwind of tragedy, Sara faces a moral dilemma. Whom can she trust when the line between loyalty and betrayal begins to blur?
Godej do mie/Talk to Me
November 14 | 7:00 PM
Followed by a Q&A with director Robert Talarczyk
An intimate psychological drama about a married couple grappling with the trauma of losing a child. Agnieszka withdraws into herself, while Darek returns to his Silesian roots—seeking an identity there to rebuild himself and save his marriage. The tragedy leads the protagonists through a painful process of confronting their own selfishness, raising the question of whether pain can become an opportunity for rebirth.
Ministranci/The Altar Boys
November 14 | 9:00 PM
A group of teenage altar boys, frustrated by the indifferent attitude of adults and the Church towards social injustices, decides to implement their own unconventional plan for moral renewal of their neighborhood. Armed with youthful rebellion and their personal interpretation of the Bible, they set up a wiretap…. Directed by Piotr Domalewski.
Taty nie ma/Dad’s not Home
November 15 | 2:00 PM
Two underage brothers hide from the world that their father suffers from frontotemporal dementia. They have to take care of him and manage the house in order to stay together. Nominated for consideration in the 2026 Live Action Short Film category by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Directed by Jan Saczek.
Dom dobry/Home Sweet Home
November 15 | 3:00 PM
The story follows Goska who meets Grzesiek online. What begins as an ideal relationship quickly devolves into a nightmare when they marry and move into a shared home. Grzesiek systematically isolates and abuses Goska, and manipulates her reality. Winner of several awards of the Polish Film Academy. Directed by Wojciech Smarzowski.