The American Film Festival’s U.S. in Progress: A Gateway to Polish-American Cinematic Collaboration
A thriving platform for emerging filmmakers
The American Film Festival in Poland has become a beacon for independent filmmakers, particularly through its industry sidebar, U.S. in Progress. This initiative has consistently showcased promising works-in-progress, providing a crucial platform for filmmakers to connect with Polish post-production companies and resources. The 2023 edition was hailed as “exceptionally successful,” and the upcoming November event aims to build on this momentum.
Success stories from U.S. in Progress
From Sundance to Cannes: The journey of ‘Good One’
One of the standout films from last year’s event, Good One by India Donaldson, exemplifies the program’s impact. After being awarded at U.S. in Progress, the film premiered at both Sundance and Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. This trajectory highlights the program’s role in propelling films onto the global stage. Watch the trailer for Good One.
Nostalgia and suburban rituals: ‘Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point’
Tyler Taormina’s Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point also made waves, premiering at a prestigious French festival. Described as a “sweet, nostalgic love letter to suburban holiday-season rituals,” the film resonated with audiences and critics alike. Watch the trailer for Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.
Diverse selections and global reach
Other notable films include We Strangers by Anu Vaila and Cutter Hodierne’s Cold Wallet, both of which screened at SXSW. Monica Sorelle’s Mountains and Shane Atkinson’s LaRoy, Texas were selected for Tribeca, while Georden West’s Playland was featured at IFFR. Richard Karpala and Gabriel Bienczycki’s Falling Stars and Lucy Kerr’s Family Portrait captivated audiences at Locarno. Watch the trailer for We Strangers, Cold Wallet, Mountains, LaRoy, Texas, Playland, Falling Stars, and Family Portrait.
Building bridges: Polish-American collaborations
A hub for co-production
Ula Śniegowska, the artistic director of the American Film Festival, emphasizes the program’s role as a co-production hub. “Our goal is for U.S. in Progress to work as a co-production hub for Polish-American projects,” she explains. This initiative aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, funding opportunities, and networking between U.S. producers and Polish post-production companies.
Success stories and future prospects
Polish participants have also benefited from this collaboration. Actor Lena Góra discussed her experience making Roving Woman, featuring John Hawkes, while producer Ewa Puszczyńska shared insights on recent U.S. collaborations, such as Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain. These interactions underscore the program’s potential to foster long-lasting professional relationships.
The impact of international support
Financial and creative benefits
Benjamin Wiessner, producer of Cold Wallet, highlights the financial and creative benefits of international support. “Independent U.S. films, even with great premieres at Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca, have been having trouble making an impact overseas,” he notes. U.S. in Progress helps bridge this gap, providing filmmakers with the resources and connections needed to succeed globally.
Lifelong bonds and future collaborations
The program’s impact extends beyond immediate financial gains. “The experience they get in Poland can translate to long-lasting bonds extending well beyond the program,” Wiessner adds. These relationships often lead to new films and collaborations, enriching the global film industry.
Support and incentives
Post-production service packages
Every year, U.S. in Progress partners provide post-production service packages worth up to $10,000 each. Leading Polish sound and image studios, including Black Photon, Di Factory, EarWorks & Sound Travel, Fixafilm, Orka Studio, Platige Image, and Soundflower Studio, contribute to these packages. This support is crucial for filmmakers looking to complete their projects with high-quality post-production services.
Polish Film Institute’s role
Despite recent changes in the Polish Film Institute, the institution continues to support U.S. in Progress. The institute provides $50,000 to cover post-production costs in one of the partner companies. This financial backing is essential for attracting U.S. producers to work with Polish talent and resources.
Looking ahead: Strengthening Polish-American ties
Enhancing production incentives
Śniegowska hopes to see more funds for production incentives, making it even more attractive for U.S. producers to choose Poland over other countries. “Our country offers great crews and talent, and the most cutting-edge technologies,” she says. By enhancing these incentives, Poland can solidify its position as a preferred destination for international film production.
A bright future for U.S. in Progress
As U.S. in Progress continues to evolve, its impact on the global film industry is undeniable. By fostering Polish-American collaborations, the program not only supports emerging filmmakers but also enriches the cinematic landscape with diverse and compelling stories. The future looks promising, with many more films and collaborations on the horizon.
For more information on the films mentioned, visit the provided links to watch their trailers and learn more about their journeys.