US in Progress panels and Polish participants announced

Indie Star Award for producer Adele Romanski The 14th American Film Festival program is now available

As part of the US in Progress 2023 edition and thanks to the partnerships with the Producers Guild of Poland and the Polish Producers Alliance, Polish producers will have the opportunity to network with potential American partners.

The following Polish producers will take part in this year’s co-production meetings: Stanisław Zaborowski (Silver Frame), Maciej Rzączyński (East Studio), Kuba Kosma (Serce), Barbara Palka (ATM Group) and Paulina Derska.

The following panels and discussions focusing on transatlantic collaborations in which invited experts and American producers will provide their expertise will take place:

on Wednesday, November 8th, participants will have the opportunity to hear about the current situation in the American film industry during a panel To strike or not to strike. What does it mean to work independently during and after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The panel will include the following producers: Mel Eslyn, Joy Jorgensen, Alex Ross Perry, Eugene Park, and Adele Romanski.

Followed by a Masterclass with this year’s Indie Star Award recipient, Adele Romanski (after the screening of Aftersun);

on Thursday, November 9th, the following talks and panels encouraging co-productions with Poland will take place: renowned producer Ewa Puszczyńska (Ida, Cold War, Zone of Interest)will share her experiences in a panel titled Who’s afraid to co-produce with Poland? (in conversation with Marta Bałaga from Variety); US in Progress alumni will share their experiences in post-producing their films in Poland with program partners (panelists will include LaRoy’s Shane Atkinson, Edson Jean, director of Ludi, producer of Family Portrait, Megan Pickrell, Richard Karpala, co-director of Falling Stars and You and I director Summer Shelton as well as representatives of partner post-production companies XANF, Fixafilm and Black Photon). There will also be a masterclass with this year’s second AFF’s Indie Star Award recipient, director and producer Alex Ross Perry (as well as a secret screening of his new work in progress film). Additionally, Jan Naszewski from New Europe Film Sales will encourage independent American filmmakers to promote their films in Europe in a Life beyond domestic. Sales and promotion of independent films outside North America talk.