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1/27/25, 5:00 PM

Focus On Ukraine: two films about the Russian-Ukrainian war & panel discussion - March 5, 2025

Focus On Ukraine: two films about the Russian-Ukrainian war & panel discussion - March 5, 2025

Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation that delves into the human impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine. We will feature two thought-provoking films, followed by a panel discussion with key experts and special guests.


WHEN: Wednesday, March 5th 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE: Landmark's E Street Cinema555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004


“Focus on Ukraine” Day


  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM  Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry), directed by Łukasz Karwowski. 92 minutes

This gripping drama follows two estranged half-sisters as they embark on a perilous journey to rescue their father, severely injured in the war. As they cross the front lines near Kharkiv, they find themselves in Russian-occupied territory, where the harsh realities of war force them to confront not only their father but also their own fractured relationship. The film’s poignant narrative explores the emotional cost of conflict and the rediscovery of family amidst unimaginable hardship.



  • 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM  People (Ludzie), directed by Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland. 119 minutes

    Introduction by JP Schutte, former Counselor for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Kyiv (2017-2019)

    Ludzie tells the story of five women from different generations, each facing the brutalities of the war in Ukraine. As their lives intertwine, the film explores themes of love, courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Through their personal battles, the film brings to light the untold stories of those who fight not on the battlefield, but in the daily struggle for survival. This film, produced by the Warsaw School of Film, offers a raw and immersive portrayal of the war’s devastating impact.


At 8:15 PM, we’ll host a special panel discussion featuring:

  • Filip Hillesland, director of People

  • Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine

  • Bogdan Klich, Chargé d'affaires of Poland

  • Walter Goetz, Head of Liaison Office at the European Parliament

    Plus, representatives from U.S. Congress and Ukrainian organizations.


    Moderator: Michał Rutkowski, Regional Director for Human Development (ECA).


This panel will provide insights into the filmmakers' vision as well as the broader political and human rights issues surrounding the war, offering a deeper understanding of the situation in Ukraine from both a local and international perspective.


Tickets available soon!

1/27/25, 5:00 PM

Focus On Ukraine: two films about the Russian-Ukrainian war & panel discussion - March 5, 2025

Focus On Ukraine: two films about the Russian-Ukrainian war & panel discussion - March 5, 2025
1/27/25, 5:00 PM

Focus On Ukraine: two films about the Russian-Ukrainian war & panel discussion - March 5, 2025

Focus On Ukraine: two films about the Russian-Ukrainian war & panel discussion - March 5, 2025

Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation that delves into the human impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine. We will feature two thought-provoking films, followed by a panel discussion with key experts and special guests.


WHEN: Wednesday, March 5th 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE: Landmark's E Street Cinema555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004


“Focus on Ukraine” Day


  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM  Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry), directed by Łukasz Karwowski. 92 minutes

This gripping drama follows two estranged half-sisters as they embark on a perilous journey to rescue their father, severely injured in the war. As they cross the front lines near Kharkiv, they find themselves in Russian-occupied territory, where the harsh realities of war force them to confront not only their father but also their own fractured relationship. The film’s poignant narrative explores the emotional cost of conflict and the rediscovery of family amidst unimaginable hardship.



  • 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM  People (Ludzie), directed by Maciej Ślesicki and Filip Hillesland. 119 minutes

    Introduction by JP Schutte, former Counselor for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Kyiv (2017-2019)

    Ludzie tells the story of five women from different generations, each facing the brutalities of the war in Ukraine. As their lives intertwine, the film explores themes of love, courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Through their personal battles, the film brings to light the untold stories of those who fight not on the battlefield, but in the daily struggle for survival. This film, produced by the Warsaw School of Film, offers a raw and immersive portrayal of the war’s devastating impact.


At 8:15 PM, we’ll host a special panel discussion featuring:

  • Filip Hillesland, director of People

  • Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine

  • Bogdan Klich, Chargé d'affaires of Poland

  • Walter Goetz, Head of Liaison Office at the European Parliament

    Plus, representatives from U.S. Congress and Ukrainian organizations.


    Moderator: Michał Rutkowski, Regional Director for Human Development (ECA).


This panel will provide insights into the filmmakers' vision as well as the broader political and human rights issues surrounding the war, offering a deeper understanding of the situation in Ukraine from both a local and international perspective.


Tickets available soon!

Jesters (Błazny) opens the 2nd edition of the Festival - March 4, 2025
Jesters (Błazny) opens the 2nd edition of the Festival - March 4, 2025

The 2nd edition of the Festival is March 4 - 9, 2025!               Mark your calendars!
The 2nd edition of the Festival is March 4 - 9, 2025! Mark your calendars!

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

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