A paradise for movie lovers, New York is the world capital of cinema—in other words, a place where films are not only displayed but also made. But where can you catch Polish movies in New York? We have selected five fantastic spots — from cozy cinemas to the exciting Polish Film Festival — that will help you immerse yourself in the best Polish cinema has to offer.
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- Anthology Film Archives
- Film Forum
- Museum of the Moving Image
- Polish Film Festival in America (PFFA)
- IFC Center
Anthology Film Archives
This is indeed a haven for those in love with art movies and exploratory movies coming from around the world, including Polish cinema as well. Anthology Film Archives is committed to the preservation, promotion, and exhibition of the best experimental, independent, and avant-garde films. Step inside cinematic history with its vast collection of films, videos, and related materials. Enjoy screenings in two unique spaces: the grand Maya Deren Theater and the cozy Small Theater. Anthology Film Archives brings something new every day, from timeless classics to cutting-edge contemporary movies. Good news for Polish cinema lovers: Anthology Film Archives regularly hosts Polish films. Independent, experimental, and avant-garde Polish screenings are included in its main programs and retrospectives.
Address: 32 2nd Ave, New York
Film Forum
Film Forum is the archetypal art theater, bringing new releases and timeless classics to its audience. Touting an international repertoire of gems, retrospectives, and rare archival treasures, it's a haven for cinema enthusiasts in general. Indeed, this cinema is celebrated for its classic films — often stunning, newly restored versions — and dedicates a share of its program to captivating documentaries from around the globe. A cultural oasis in the heart of New York, Film Forum is a place of special events, engaging encounters with directors, and film festivals that draw the city's cinephiles. Polish cinema lovers will be glad to know that from time to time, films in Polish — whether part of their international film festivals or special events — are shown at Film Forum. In addition, Polish directors are quite frequent visitors, thus making the moviegoing experience even more personal.
Address: 209 W Houston St, New York
Museum of the Moving Image
This cinematography museum boasts a rich collection of rare and retrospective films, sometimes featuring jewels from Poland. MoMI offers a world of exhibitions right at visitors' fingertips. At the core exhibition, one can take people through an incredibly exciting journey of creativity for films, television, and digital media. MoMI also has a detailed collection of video games and gaming consoles that reflect their impact on popular culture. MoMI's temporary exhibitions change all the time and encompass very different approaches to media, reaching from historical retrospectives to the latest digital art installations. Film buffs will love the diverse screenings of classics, independents, foreign films, and contemporary movies. The museum also facilitates master classes, guided tours, and hands-on workshops to unroll the history and artistry of moving images. One of the significant points for MoMI is the regularity with which it runs cinema series and retrospectives, often including Polish films. These events acquaint audiences with specific themes, directors, or cinematic movements; offering a richly diversified cinematic experience that presents works from Poland.
Address: 36-01 35th Ave, Queens
Polish Film Festival in America (PFFA)
Polish Film Festival in America shows magical Polish movies to the United States. Since 1989, this nine-day festival has been a key event for cinema enthusiasts. At the heart of the festival lies its mission: to present the best of Polish cinema, from engaging feature films and documentaries that reveal the real insights through fascinating animated movies. Among this lineup will be a kaleidoscope of the newest film masterpieces of modern cinema, tribute evenings for legends of Polish directing, and specially organized screenings within the framework of which audiences get to engage in energetic debates with filmmakers, actors, and critics. The festival, running across a number of iconic cinemas in New York City. Supported by the highest cultural and movie institutions, among them the Polish Film Institute and the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, PFFA is an event not to be missed, interconnecting cultures with a shared passion for Polish storytelling on the big screen.
IFC Center
IFC Center is a vibrant independent movie theater known for its eclectic and thought-provoking film selections. Since opening in 2005, it has served as a haven for movie lovers of eclectic art-house movies, documentaries, foreign movies, indie gems, and outstanding works by Polish directors. Some of the exciting film festivals and special screenings at IFC Center include:
- DOC NYC: The biggest documentary movie festival in the U.S., lighting up November with films from around the world.
- Human Rights Watch Film Festival: A June festival of gripping movies focused on human rights and social justice.
- New York Jewish Film Festival: January series includes eclectic films that are destined to inspire and enlighten their audience.
- IFC Midnight: If you love horror flicks or nighttime thrillers, then this is your ticket to a movie series of late-night screenings.
- Stranger Than Fiction: A continuing documentary series that provides audiences with fascinating true stories year-round.
IFC Center also supports several formats, from the classic 35 mm format through modern digital projection. This theater hosts special events such as movie festivals, retrospectives, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors, and themed movie nights.
Address: 323 6th Ave, New York
