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12/8/24, 5:00 PM

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award in Washington DC

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award in Washington DC

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent, Ellen Kuras received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award at the headquarters of the world-renowned Vital Voices, in Washington DC. The event was part of the promotion of the upcoming second edition of the KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival.


A two-time Primetime Emmy winner and Academy Award nominee, Ellen Kuras is celebrated for her work as a director and cinematographer in both feature films and documentaries. Her acclaimed projects include Blow (2001), Analyze That(2002), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). She has received numerous accolades, including a Student Academy Award for Samsara and the Excellence Award at Sundance.


Her most recent project, Lee, premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival, marking her directorial debut with the drama about war photographer Lee Miller, starring Kate Winslet.

More info about the event HERE


The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Bogdan Klich, key officials from the Polish Consulate in Washington, D.C., and notable figures from the media and diplomatic communities.


In her heartfelt speech, Ellen Kuras highlighted her strong Polish heritage, proudly declaring, “I am 100% Polish.” Raised in a Polish household in Baltimore by both Polish parents, she shared fond memories of Polish traditions, food, and culture. Her deep connection to Poland remains unwavering, and she frequently travels there to maintain her ties to the country.


During a Q&A session, Kuras spoke about the profound influence of Polish filmmakers such as Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Zanussi on her work. She also emphasized her long-standing collaboration with renowned Polish cinematographer Paweł Edelman.


Kuras reflected on the shared values between Poland and the United States, particularly the traditions of freedom and the relentless fight for liberty, exemplified by Polish-American hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

12/8/24, 5:00 PM

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award in Washington DC

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award in Washington DC
12/8/24, 5:00 PM

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award in Washington DC

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award in Washington DC

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, an acclaimed American filmmaker of Polish descent, Ellen Kuras received the Kosciuszko Foundation Pioneer Award at the headquarters of the world-renowned Vital Voices, in Washington DC. The event was part of the promotion of the upcoming second edition of the KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival.


A two-time Primetime Emmy winner and Academy Award nominee, Ellen Kuras is celebrated for her work as a director and cinematographer in both feature films and documentaries. Her acclaimed projects include Blow (2001), Analyze That(2002), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). She has received numerous accolades, including a Student Academy Award for Samsara and the Excellence Award at Sundance.


Her most recent project, Lee, premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival, marking her directorial debut with the drama about war photographer Lee Miller, starring Kate Winslet.

More info about the event HERE


The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Bogdan Klich, key officials from the Polish Consulate in Washington, D.C., and notable figures from the media and diplomatic communities.


In her heartfelt speech, Ellen Kuras highlighted her strong Polish heritage, proudly declaring, “I am 100% Polish.” Raised in a Polish household in Baltimore by both Polish parents, she shared fond memories of Polish traditions, food, and culture. Her deep connection to Poland remains unwavering, and she frequently travels there to maintain her ties to the country.


During a Q&A session, Kuras spoke about the profound influence of Polish filmmakers such as Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Zanussi on her work. She also emphasized her long-standing collaboration with renowned Polish cinematographer Paweł Edelman.


Kuras reflected on the shared values between Poland and the United States, particularly the traditions of freedom and the relentless fight for liberty, exemplified by Polish-American hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

The second edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival is coming to town, March 4 through 9, 2025!  Mark your calendars!
The second edition of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival is coming to town, March 4 through 9, 2025! Mark your calendars!

Stay tuned for the second edition of the KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival, taking place March 4-9, 2025!
Stay tuned for the second edition of the KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival, taking place March 4-9, 2025!

KF WDCPFF Photo Gallery
KF WDCPFF Photo Gallery

The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival Awards and Conclusion
The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival Awards and Conclusion

The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of Polish cinema in the heart of the nation's capital.

Martin Kabat, Chairman of the Board at The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival, live on Fox 5!
Martin Kabat, Chairman of the Board at The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival, live on Fox 5!

Watch Martin Kabat live on Fox 5 as he talks with Guy Lambert about our Festival! 

We are in the process of securing larger theater rooms for the films "Doppelganger" and "Scarborn"
We are in the process of securing larger theater rooms for the films "Doppelganger" and "Scarborn"

Due to exceptionally high demand, we are in the process of securing larger theater rooms for the films "Doppelganger" and "Scarborn" to accommodate more festival guests.

Actress Paulina Pytlak at the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival!
Actress Paulina Pytlak at the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival!

We are thrilled to announce that one of the most promising Polish actresses and the leading star of the film Feast of Fire, Paulina Pytlak, will join us at the Washington DC Polish Film Festival (May 10-12). She will participate in the Q&A session before the movie and meet with festival audiences.

Washington DC Polish Film Festival to Present Eight New Feature Films
Washington DC Polish Film Festival to Present Eight New Feature Films

Washington DC, April 9, 2024 – The Washington DC Polish Film Festival (WDCPFF) will showcase eight new feature films and eight shorts. This diverse selection offers audiences in the nation's capital a glimpse into the latest trends in Polish cinema, reflecting urgent social changes and historical aspects of Poland and its citizens.  

Inauguration of the Washington Polish Film Festival to Showcase Poland's New Cinema
Inauguration of the Washington Polish Film Festival to Showcase Poland's New Cinema

The first Washington Polish Film Festival (WPFF) will be held from May 10 to 12, 2024, at the Landmark E Street Cinema in central Washington, D.C., announced Barbara Bernhardt, Vice President and Washington Director of the Kosciuszko Foundation (KF)

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