“There are many revelations in the ‘Masterpieces of Polish Cinema’ series and whether you’re familiar with some of these films or not, it’s an incredible opportunity to discover for yourself the great power of Polish cinema, on the big screen in brilliantly restored digital masters.” – Martin Scorsese
Following his 2011 visit to the Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School in Åódž – the birthplace of the Polish Film School of the 1950s and 60s that put Polish cinema on the film map – Scorsese was compelled to bring the great masterpieces of Polish cinema to audiences.
Long drawn to the power of Polish cinema from his days as a film student in New York, Scorsese selected 21 seminal films that profoundly resonated with him. Masterpieces of Polish Cinema includes works from luminaries such as Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Zanussi, Andrzej Munk, Jerzy Kawalerowicz and Wojciech Has.
ACMI is proud to be showcasing 13 of the 21 films featured in Masterpieces of Polish Cinema from Sunday 5 October to Sunday 26 October 2014. Screening exclusively at ACMI in Australia, all 13 films have been digitally remastered and are newly subtitled with the assistance of Scorsese’s Film Foundation.
This special season, which spans three decades between 1957 and 1987, captures and critiques Poland’s social and political upheaval of the time. For many critics and viewers, the films stand up to repeated viewings for their emotional and creative depth, as well as their sweeping, humanistic themes.
Commenting on Polish cinema, Scorsese said: “This is a cinema of personal vision, very strong social commitment and a poetic responsibility from which we’ve all learned, and which sets a very high standard, which as a filmmaker, I strive to achieve with every film.”
ACMI’s Head of Film Programs, Richard Sowada is immensely proud that ACMI will be able to share these cinematic masterpieces with Australian audiences.
“This important series explores a range of themes and genres, from existentialism in Night Train, to eccentricity in Innocent Sorcerers, and absurdism in The Hourglass Sanatorium. It also includes Wajda’s iconic film set on the last day of World War II,Ashes and Diamonds, which Scorsese deems to be one of the finest films ever made. Audiences will have a unique opportunity to discover (and rediscover) these digitally restored masterpieces.”
Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema was organised with thanks to Propaganda Foundation, DI Factory, The Film Foundation and KinoRP Project.
Martin Scorsese Presents: masterpieces of Polish Cinema
Sunday 5 October to Sunday 26 October 2014
ACMI – Federation Square Melbourne
www.acmi.net.au
