Commencing Sunday 3 September, the festival will open with recent box office hit and winner of Audience Choice Award at the 38th Warsaw International Film Festival DANGEROUS MEN // NIEBEZPIECZNI D¯ENTELMENI. Set in the bohemian town of Zakopane it is a fast-paced comedy crime story merging humour, flamboyant historical figures and vibrant Polish folklore.

Shot against the backdrop of stunning Tatra Mountains and featuring an outstanding cast, including Tomasz Kot (Cold War, Leave no traces – PFF22), Marcin Dorociñski (Mission Impossible 7, Beloved Neighbours – PFF22), Andrzej Seweryn (Man of Iron, Schindler's List, The Last Family – PFF17) and Australian based actor Jacek Koman (Moulin Rouge, Romulus, my father, Icarus. The Legend of Mietek Kosz – PFF20), impersonating colourful well-known historic characters, this 2023 premiere makes for a delightful piece of cinema to be enjoyed by all.“The all-star cast and director Maciej Kawalski's creative courage are impressive. This is a must see" — Onet.

Among festival highlights are also:
SONATA // SONATA, winner of Audience Choice Awards at four international film festivals as well as Grand Prix at Sofia International Film Festival and Special Award Percorsi Creativi at Giffoni Film Festival. Based on the true story of pianist Grzegorz P³onka, it is a deeply moving film about a unique musician and his incredible journey to achieve the impossible. "An impressive, moving biopic about Polish pianist Grzegorz P³onka (an astonishing Michael Sikorski, a deserving winner of the professional acting debut prize)." — Slant Magazine.

CHOPIN. I AM NOT AFRAID OF DARKNESS // CHOPIN. NIE BOJÊ SIÊ CIEMNO¦CI, an inspiring documentary following three outstanding pianists, Leszek Mo¿d¿er, Fared Marek Basmadji and Won Jae- Yeon, preparing to perform works of Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin in places where no one would expect to hear live music. “It’s a showcase of talent, history and humanity that does so much in so little time that it’s honestly kind of incredible.” — Movie Meister Reviews.

IF I WERE YOU // NA TWOIM MIEJSCU, an entertaining new comedy from Antonio Galdamez about a married couple on the verge of divorce presented with an unexpected chance to experience a day in the life as one another. "You won't be disappointed if you're looking for smart entertainment." — Interia Film.

TONIA // TONIA, the long-awaited film from Marcin Bortkiewicz, director of the award-winning and critically acclaimed "Walpurgis Night" (PFF 2016). TONIA is a collision of two worlds, the grey reality of a small town and the idealised fantasy world of a child who believes that in life - just like in cinema - everything is possible. In the brilliantly played lead role is the director's daughter, Marianna Ame, making her debut on the big screen. "Marcin Bortkiewicz offers a film full of magic. In a seemingly modest story, he conjures up various conventions - there are moments for laughs and moments for more serious reflection. It's a picture for adults, but told from a child's perspective. A fleeting fairy tale that hits serious tones." — Movieway.

The 2023 edition of the festival will take place at Luna Leederville and The Backlot Perth. Tickets are now on sale and full program is available at

www.polishfilmfestival.org

All films screen with English subtitles.

The 9th POLISH FILM FESTIVAL IN PERTH is organised with the financial support of the Polish Film Institute and with the support and honorary patronage of Consulate General of Republic of Poland in Sydney. The 2023 event is sponsored by Perth Vascular Clinic (Principal Sponsor), Migration Law Firm (Major Sponsor) and Business Tax and Money House, Hicron and Tailored Tax Solutions (leadership sponsors). For full list of Festival supporters visit the festival website.

To stay up to date with Polish FF news subscribe to mailing list at polishfilmfestival.org/subscribe and follow @PolishFillmFestivalPerth on Facebook and @pff_perth_sydney on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

2023 Polish Film Festival is proudly presented with the support of: and under honorary patronage of POLISH FILM FESTIVAL IN PERTH is a community driven local initiative that showcases the breadth of modern Polish cinema to West Australian audiences. Established in 2015, it is the only annual event dedicated to presenting Polish films to West Australians. The Festival aims to present a range of contemporary, award winning works and box office hits from renowned and up and coming Polish filmmakers. It creates a unique opportunity for Perth audience to experience the rich Polish culture and watch film productions that are rarely presented in Australian theatres or television.