All states of politics. Passes for American Film Festival are now on sale
“You may not be interested in politics, but politics is always interested in you.” This old adage feels especially relevant during an intense election year. With the US presidential campaign entering its critical phase, the final stretch—the election itself—coincides with the opening day of the 15th American Film Festival.
In response, we’re staying tuned in and, in collaboration with Podkast Amerykański (American Podcast), we’re launching Politics on Screen section. This special part of the festival will explore how US cinema has portrayed and commented on the American political landscape over the years. Today, we're kicking off the sale of festival passes, along with media and industry accreditations. Join us for the festival from November 5 to 11, in Wroclaw as always!
Restoring the glory of political cinema
Big names behind the camera, big stars in front of the camera, and even bigger political topics that prominent filmmakers have captured through the camera lens. Despite their significance, many of these films received far less attention in Poland. The reasons range from the restrictions of the Iron Curtain, which kept political cinema out, to post-communist distributors focusing largely on bringing entertainment films from across the ocean. This year at the AFF, we’re setting the record straight by presenting six remarkable feature films that explore American politics from diverse perspectives.
On the lineup: the fanaticism of McCarthyism and the “Red Scare” (The Manchurian Candidate, dir. John Frankenheimer), populism creeping into mainstream politics (The Best Man, dir. Franklin J. Schaffner), a reckoning with Nixon's tumultuous presidency (Secret Honor, dir. Robert Altman), television’s rise as a major player in election campaigns (Network, dir. Sidney Lumet), the media’s role in manufacturing fake news (Wag the Dog, dir. Barry Levinson), and the creation of political stars (A Face in the Crowd, dir. Elia Kazan).
We are excited to present the Politics on Screen section in collaboration with Podkast amerykański (American Podcast), one of Poland's leading podcasts on social issues, hosted by Łukasz Pawłowski and Piotr Tarczyński—renowned experts who provide insight into the meanders of US politics and history. The creators of the podcast will also be special guests at this year’s AFF, and you’ll have a chance to meet them in November in Wroclaw.
Cinema: politics
“In cinema, ideology is everywhere, and political messages are omnipresent – sometimes boldly, sometimes subtly, whether intended or not. Political is Casablanca, political are Star Wars, Nashville, Forrest Gump or Get Out. Even Legally Blonde carries political undercurrents. But then there are films where American politics take center stage, focusing on Congress, election campaigns, senators, congressmen, and, of course, presidents. These films not only frame political thinking but also—perhaps more importantly—offer viewers a lens into how politics seemingly functions in practice. For many Americans (and even more non-Americans), their understanding of the US political system comes largely from popular culture. We want to show you a few of these films in the Politics on Screen section, which Podkast amerykański has prepared for this year's American Film Festival,” write Łukasz Pawłowski and Piotr Tarczyński.
15th American Film Festival: what's in the program?
As always, the festival will showcase the latest and greatest in US independent cinema, alongside blockbuster hits from world festivals (including the recently concluded Venice Film Festival), top-tier Hollywood productions, cult classics, and hidden gems from master filmmakers. This year, the AFF will run one day longer than usual.
We'll be revealing more program details in the coming weeks—stay tuned to AFF's media channels—while the full program will be revealed on October 22 at noon. The following day, at the same time, single tickets for on-site screenings will go on sale. On September 17, we will open our call for volunteers. This year, the festival's online portion will once again allow you to enjoy the American Film Festival from the comfort of your home. More details on the virtual edition will be announced soon.
Passes and accreditations
Passes, as well as media and industry accreditations (available to journalists and active film industry professionals), can be purchased on the americanfilmfestival.pl website until October 18, or while supplies last. These passes and accreditations give you full access to the festival, allowing you to attend up to 31 on-site screenings. Please note, they do not include access to the online portion of the festival. You may purchase single access or online screening packages separately—details coming soon.
Prices:
- Pass: 350 PLN
- Pass (discounted for New Horizons Cinema Friends Club members): 330 PLN
- Industry accreditation: 350 PLN
- Media accreditation: 260 PLN
Details on purchasing and using passes and accreditations
