News
June 19, 2009 Film Screening
San Francisco Film Society Presents
SFFS Screen: Katyn
Opens June 19th-25th at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
KATYN
Dir. Andrzej Wajda , Poland 2007
Acclaimed Polish director and winner of a lifetime achievement Academy Award,
Andrzej Wajda has created an epic and personal tale about one of WWII's
notorious cover-ups. In the village of Katyn in May 1940, the Soviet army
brutally murdered 15,000 Polish POWs, to crush Polish hopes for future
independence. For 50 years afterward, the USSR denied responsibility, cynically
blaming the Nazis. Wajda, whose father was one of those killed, focuses less on
the crimes of war than on the people left in its wake. Their interwoven stories
draw us into a world where the struggle for memory and truth takes place amid a
chilling conspiracy of silence. --Deborah Kaufman, Mill Valley Film Festival
For more information on Katyn, visit sffs.org
April 25, 2009 43rd Anniversary
The Polish Arts and Culture Foundation celebrated its 43rd Anniversary on April 25, 2009 with a gala Polonaise Ball at the Historic Hotel Whitcomb in San Francisco. Over 100 elegantly attired guests strolled through the expansive ballroom before enjoying a delicious meal and dancing to Jim Grantham's Nightbird Orchestra. Thanks to the generosity of the Warren Winiarski Family, Mr. Witold Kolankowski and Honorary Polish Consul, Tad Taube, the evening's entertainment was enhanced by performances of Pianist Robyn Carmichael, playing on a 9' Steinway Grand D, Jasiu Sobanski's PODHALE Polish Folk Ensemble from Los Angeles and three stars of Pocket Opera's poroduction of Stanislaw Moniuszko's The Haunted Manor under the direction of Donald Pippin. What a treat to hear a sampling from that wonderful opera by Soprano Patrycja Poluchowicz, Mezzo Soprano Dalyte Kodzis and Bass Baritone Richard Mix. Thank you all for making it a very memorable evening. During the Welcome speeches, Honorary Polish Consul Christopher Kerosky announced that San Francisco and Krakow would sign their Sister Cities Agreement in krakow on July 3rd with a Delegation from San Francisco being planned and then the Polish Delegation would come to San Francisco in October. Please mark your calendars for many exciting events surrounding this important exchange with Krakow.
Pictures from this wonderful event can be seen at:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0ActGzRs1bNGTFxA
and from Pocket Opera's The Haunted Manor at:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0ActGzRs1bNGTF5g
Filmmaker Andrzej Wajda recalls tragic, entwined fate of his Father and country. The historical tragedy of KATYN has finally been brought to the world arena via the craftsmanship of this renowned filmmaker. There are constant updates in the news media around the world and a very enlightening BBC production, WORLD WAR TWO: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS shows how pivotal Poland was during that time in history and reiterates the treachery of her neighbors. READ MORE
|