Scorsese promotes Polish cinema in New York

Martin Scorsese. Photo: wikipedia

All twenty-one films have been hand picked by the Italian-American director, taking in works by directors such as Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Zanussi, Wojciech Has and Krzysztof Kieslowski.

The recently restored films will be screened at various cinemas across America and Canada under the banner of “Marcin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema,” starting at New York's Lincoln Center.

“There are many revelations in the 'Masterpieces of Polish Cinema' series and whether you’re familiar with some of these films or not, it’s an incredible opportunity to discover for yourself the great power of Polish cinema on the big screen in brilliantly restored digital masters,” Scorsese has enthused.

The programme has been organised by the director's non-profit initiative The Film Foundation, aided by the Polish Film Institute and other Polish partners.

Scorsese has long been a devotee of Polish cinema, and in December 2011 he was given an honorary doctorate by the Lodz Film School, alma mater of many of Poland's most noted directors and cinematographers.

During the 2011 ceremony, he said that the experience was like coming home.

“Actually, I feel like I'm a part of this school and that I attended it,” he quipped.

“This title is a great honour for me.”

Among the digitally restored gems in store for film fans in America and Canada are Wajda's Ashes and Diamonds, Wojciech Has's The Hourglass Sanatorium and Andrzej Munk's Eroica.

For full details of the programme, see the official web site. (nh)