Saturday at the festival
Dear Jury Members! The weekend is gaining momentum, bringing a flood of screenings, events, and meetings—but today we’d like to draw your attention above all to the competition sections: TAURON Breakthrough and American Docs. It’s up to you to decide who will return to the United States in glory, clutching the Audience Award. Watch, evaluate, and choose your favorites.
On this festival Saturday, 43 screenings await you at the New Horizons Cinema, with dozens more titles available online. In the evening, head to Club Proza for another edition of American Literature Talks—a perfect warm-up before the later AFF-ter party with the Erupcja crew. For those who prefer to discuss rather than dance, we’ve prepared a debate on the state of American cinema curated by Immersja, as well as a talk within AI and the Future of Cinema. And for the foodies (we know you’re here): after the screening of By Design, the Concordia Taste team will be waiting with a special tasting in the cinema space.
And the icing on the cake—meetings, meetings, meetings! There are 12 Q&A sessions to choose from today, including one with Indie Star Award winner Susan Seidelman. You’ll also meet the Erupcja team at the film’s festival premiere.
Meetings and Q&As
12:45 p.m., KNH4 – Lemonade Blessing, dir. Chris Merola
guest: Chris Merola
1:00 p.m., KNH5 – OBEX, dir. Albert Birney
guests: Albert Birney, Pete Ohs (screenwriter, cinematographer)
1:15 p.m., KNH3 – Making Mr. Right, dir. Susan Seidelman
guest: Susan Seidelman
1:15 p.m., KNH6 – Short docs on film and art + panel on American cinema with Portal Immersja
guests: Ula Śniegowska (AFF), Łukasz Muszyński (Filmweb), Filip Mańka (Immersja)
3:00 p.m., KNH8 – US in Progress Open: AI and the Future of Cinema – screening and panel
4:00 p.m., KNH5 – The Scout, dir. Paula González-Nasser
guest: Paula González-Nasser
4:15 p.m., KNH3 – Seidelman and Sex... (three Sex and the City episodes + The Dutch Master)
guests: Susan Seidelman (director), Jonathan Brett (producer, co-writer The Dutch Master)
4:15 p.m., KNH7 – The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick, dir. Pete Ohs
guests: Pete Ohs, Jeremy Harris (actor, producer, co-writer)
4:30 p.m., KNH6 – So Far All Good, dir. $ECK
guest: $ECK
6:45 p.m., KNH4 – Fantasy Life, dir. Matthew Shear
guest: Emily McCann Lesser (producer)
6:45 p.m., KNH9 – Erupcja, dir. Pete Ohs
guests: Pete Ohs, Jeremy Harris (actor, producer, co-writer), Lena Góra (actor, co-writer), Agata Trzebuchowska (actor), Maja Michnacka (actor)
7:00 p.m., KNH3 – She-Devil, dir. Susan Seidelman
guests: Susan Seidelman (director), Jonathan Brett (producer, co-writer)
7:00 p.m., KNH7 – Baltimorons, dir. Jay Duplass
guest: Michael Strassner (actor, co-writer)
7:15 p.m., KNH6 – Child of Dust, dir. Weronika Mliczewska
guest: Jim Stark (producer)
Seidelman and Sex: the cult series with the legendary director | 4:15 p.m.
Carrie strides briskly into the crowded streets of New York City and... a revolution begins. Sex and the City shaped generations, brought feminist themes into mainstream TV, became an endless source of style inspiration—and, most importantly, introduced millions to independent, witty, self-assured heroines who were never anyone’s accessories. One of the godmothers of Sex… is Susan Seidelman, who will talk today about directing the show’s groundbreaking first season. As a bonus, we’ll screen her brilliant short The Dutch Master and host a conversation with Jonathan Brett, her artistic (and life) partner.
Discussion on American Cinema with Portal Immersja | after the 2:30 p.m. screening
American cinema is navigating one of the toughest chapters in its history. The pandemic, actor and writer strikes, and deepening political divides across the Atlantic have reshaped the industry. This panel will explore the current state of US filmmaking—from indie productions to Hollywood’s corporate giants. What challenges define this moment, and can Hollywood reclaim its former glory? The discussion will feature Ula Śniegowska (AFF), Łukasz Muszyński (Filmweb), and Filip Mańka (Portal Immersja). Free admission with a ticket or reservation included in a pass or accreditation for Short docs on film and art.
American Literature Talks: Meeting with Katherine Stewart | 7:00 p.m.
From California to North Carolina, author Katherine Stewart travels across America—attending pro-life rallies, far-right conventions, and tracing the flow of money and influence shaping religious nationalism. In The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, she explores the historical roots and modern ambitions of evangelical movements and their impact on democracy. Join us at Club Proza for a conversation with Stewart, co-organized with the Wrocław Literature House and Czarne Publishing House. Free admission, subject to availability.
Literature is the key to knowledge
AFF-ter parties: Erupcja after party
Late-night plan: at 9 p.m., the Top Floor Bar opens on the second floor of the cinema—perfect for a drink and a breather before the main event. At 11 p.m., the Erupcja After Party ignites in the KNH foyer—inspired by Pete Ohs’ film starring Charli XCX and Lena Góra. Behind the decks: the duo ANDIAMO (Mat Erdmann & Michał Więckowski) and Lena herself. Expect a night full of energy, emotion, and movement—spontaneous, electric, and utterly cinematic. Admission is free for festival participants (ticket, pass, or accreditation; entry from Św. Antoniego Street).
New merch on the block
Wondering what to wear during the festival? All your unkempt thoughts are best adorned with an American baseball cap or a beanie for cooler days. A tote will go with any outfit—durable, minimalist, inspired by suburban icons. Complete the set with a pin featuring our iconic star and a beautiful, handmade mug from the lovely people at Zakwas Studio. The merch is waiting for you online or at the New Horizons box office (note: mugs available only on-site).
Recommended spots: tasty, plenty, and discounted
Don’t forget to fuel your screenings with actual calories! As always, we’ve curated a list of great nearby spots where, with your ticket, pass, or accreditation, you can enjoy exclusive discounts or festival specials.
Festival Sunday
44 screenings at the New Horizons Cinema, 12 meetings with the creators of festival films, a masterclass by Susan Seidelman, Immersja DKF after Die My Love, Pełna Sala DKF after Vertigo, American Literature Talks on Donald Trump's biography, a secret screening hosted by SkyShowtime, and an AFF-ter party in the rhythm of Corona Sunset Hours.
