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.
Fantastyczny Matt Parey/Fantastic Matt Parey
November 13 at 6:30 PM
A documentary film that tells the story of the godfather of Polish fantasy. Without him, the fate of The Witcher or the Oscar-winning The Cathedral by Tomasz Baginski would be uncertain. Directed by Bartosz Paduch.
Obrabowane z dziecinstwa/Robbed of Childhood
November 13 at 8:30 PM
They said war was coming. But it’s not war, it is people. They bring fear, pain, and death, condemning even children to darkness. The younger they are, the less they understand, but in time, they learn some things that can't be explained. Marcin Zaborski’s documentary tells the story of children caught in Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.
Ocalale/The Survivors
November 13 at 9:30 PM
Yuliya, Lyudmyla, Svitlana and Larysa were arrested without any trial for petty reasons, imprisoned for years, and brutally interrogated. Yet they survived. Now they want the world to hear their stories. In front of the camera, they speak out openly about the horror they experienced at the hands of the occupiers. Rape, electrocution, drowning or starvation are only some of the acts of torture used by the Russians against the Ukrainians. Directed by Tomasz Slomczynski & Piotr Szymanek.
Franz/Franz Kafka
November 14 at 7:30 PM
Young lawyer Franz Kafka, burdened by work and family, finds escape in writing, creating the surreal works that will secure his literary legacy, even as illness looms and the world teeters on the edge of war. Today, his genius is both celebrated and commodified in Prague. Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland offers an unconventional, time-shifting portrait that humanizes Kafka and explores the inner forces that shaped his singular voice.
O psie, który jezdzil koleja 2/The Dog Who Travelled by Train 2
November 15 at 10:00 AM
After a successful operation in the USA, Zuzia returns to Poland with her parents. During her absence, Lampo, who had been entrusted to the care of the train station director, disappears without a trace. Upon her return, Zuzia discovers that the dog that greets her at the station is not her beloved Lampo, but a look-alike female dog named Luna. Together with her friend Antek and Luna, she embarks on an adventure-filled journey to find Lampo. Directed by Magdalena Niec.
AAPFF Deaf Cinema Program
November 15 at 1:00 PM
A series of animated and film shorts, video art and more!
Za zimno na burze/Too Cold for a Storm
November 15 at 3:00 PM
Piotr returns to his family home after years of absence to confront his late father's final wish, to accompany him on his last journey to the cemetery. To Piotr’s surprise, on the wagon led by the old man Jaskólka, there is not only the coffin but also Pawel, Piotr’s half-brother, whom he has never met. As they travel across the vast, empty fields on their way to the cemetery, the brothers are forced into a conversation neither of them wants to have. Directed by Igor Sas.
Nie ma mnie/I Am Not Here
November 15 at 3:30 PM
Piotr returns to his family home after years to confront his alcoholic father and rebuild his relationship with his brother Krzysiek. Directed by Daniel Le Hai.
Syn szczescia/Son of Happiness
November 15 at 4:00 PM
Despite having Down’s syndrome, Beniamin dreams of becoming an actor. He lives with his protective father, his constant support. But acting means facing public judgment. Can his father let go and allow Beniamin to pursue his dream, even if it means risking heartbreak? Dominik Mirecki’s tender drama explores the challenges of parenthood and the courage to let loved ones grow.
Honey Bunny
November 15 at 6:00 PM
Retired firefighter Staszek shares everything with his beloved wife Alinka, except the bedroom. He finds it easier to show affection to the fluffy rabbits he raises than to Alinka. But when he discovers that his wife has secretly taken a job as a professional cuddler at Honey Bunny’s paid cuddling salon, he is forced to confront not only her choices, but also his own sexuality and emotional needs.
Simona Kossak
November 15 at 7:00 PM
The story of a biologist, Simona Kossak, who decides to leave her former life in Kraków behind and begin working in Bialowieza. She settles in the heart of an old-growth forest, in a house without electricity or running water, surrounded by wild nature. There, in this magical wilderness, she meets photographer Lech Wilczek, with whom she shares a passion — a love for nature and freedom.
Vinci 2
November 15 at 9:00 PM
Cuma, a retired master thief living a quiet life on Spain’s Andalusian coast, turns down one last job—until his former partner turned rival, Chudy, plans a massive heist in Kraków with a ruthless new crew that leaves no room for him. Driven by pride and a desire to reclaim his title as the world’s greatest burglar, Cuma returns, reunites with old allies, assembles a new team, and prepares to face Chudy on his own terms. Directed by Juliusz Machulski.
Amatorzy. Tylko muzyka/Amateurs. Only Music
November 16 at 1:00 PM
Documentary about passion, determination, and the joy that comes from art, as well as the challenges faced by amateur artists as they fight for their future. Directed by Monika Grzybowska.
Mim i jego wnuczka/The Mime and His Granddaughter
November 16 at 1:30 PM
At twenty, Bogdan fled Poland after his father was killed by the militia. In France, he joined Marcel Marceau’s mime school, where his talent earned him a spot as Marceau’s assistant. After a successful career abroad, he retired in Boleslawiec. There, he discovered his six-year-old granddaughter Blanka’s stage talent and began teaching her mime. Directed by Jan Seraphim.
Chopin, Chopin!
November 16 at 2:00 PM
Paris, 1835. Renowned composer Frédéric Chopin navigates high society, performing concerts, teaching for income while battling illness. He composes masterpieces, attends parties, pursues romance amid aristocratic and royal circles. Directed by Michal Kwiecinski.