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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:

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and from Pocket Opera's The Haunted Manor at:

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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

 

 

"This volunteer, non-profit organization is committed to promoting Poland's rich cultural and artistic heritage by educating, informing and entertaining the general public.
The arts have no barriers and music needs no language."

 

Established to commemorate the 1000th Anniversary of Poland's acceptance of Christianity, the Foundation celebrated its Silver Anniversary in 1991, the year in which Poland realized the full restoration of a democratic government. Throughout this time the work of the Foundation volunteers has centered on introducing Americans to the wealth of Polish historical and cultural achievements through exhibits, concerts, lectures, publications, and Polish Heritage Seminars.

In 2001 The Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary. To honor this occasion, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski signed the documents awarding the PACF's Founder, Mme. Wanda Tomczykowska, the POLONIA RESTITUTA (equivalent to the US Congressional Medal of Freedom). Consul General Krzysztof Kasprzyk from Los Angeles decorated her during the Polonaise Ball at The Fairmont Hotel, with former Polish President Lech Walesa in attendance. It was a most memorable evening for all and a fitting retirement moment for Pani Wanda.

Because the operations of the Foundation are supported entirely by individual and corporate donations, an annual fund-raising Gala Ball is presented in the Gold Room at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco California. In the past the Gala Polonaise Ball was held every November to remember the November Uprising of 1917, but now we present the Ball in May to celebrate Poland's Constitution and the great achievements of our forefathers. We welcome all who are interested in any aspect of Poland's culture or their Polish heritage. Please visit us. Working together in friendship and harmony, we look forward to many more successful years and the establishment of a POLISH CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PACIFIC. The Archives of the PACF and all the other Polonia Organizations would finally have a home!