Polish cinema and art took centre stage in the heart of California as the second Helena Modjeska Festival in Los Angeles brought together nearly 700 viewers to celebrate the contribution of Polish culture to American life, according to Interia – Film.
The three-day event, held in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, coincided with a triple anniversary: the 55th year of the organising Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club, the Year of Andrzej Wajda, and the 250th anniversary of United States independence.
Hollywood honours Polish artists
The festival opened at the Illusion Magic Lounge Theater in Santa Monica, where acclaimed Polish actor Andrzej Seweryn performed his monodrama “Shakespeare Forever!” before an enthusiastic audience. On the second day, the celebration moved to the prestigious Writers Guild of America West Theater in Beverly Hills, where the formal gala was opened by Poland’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Paulina Kapuścińska, and Beverly Hills Deputy Mayor Mary N. Wells.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Modjeska Heritage Awards 2026, recognising outstanding contributions to world culture. This year’s recipients were all Polish artists who have achieved success in Hollywood: Abel Korzeniowski, a respected film composer; Pola Benke, a talented conductor; Anna Biedrzycka-Sheppard, a costume designer with three Oscar nominations; and Mona May, a well-known Hollywood designer and costume artist.
Musician Steve Dudek provided swing and jazz accompaniment in the style of classic Hollywood throughout the gala evening.
Classic Polish cinema on Californian screens
The festival also paid tribute to Polish cinematography by screening both contemporary productions and masterpieces of Polish cinema. Californian audiences had a rare opportunity to see Andrzej Wajda’s “The Promised Land” and Jerzy Antczak’s “Nights and Days” on the big screen.
The most emotional moments came from direct encounters with the creators themselves. Legendary director Jerzy Antczak and actor Andrzej Seweryn shared memories, anecdotes from film sets, and reflections on the state of contemporary art with both American and Polish audiences. Film critic Zbigniew Banaś hosted the three-day event, whilst a crew led by director and stuntman Zbigniew Modej documented proceedings.
Katarzyna A. Śmiechowicz, president of the club, emphasised the organisation’s mission. “We want Polish culture not to be present only in the Polish community,” she said. “We want Americans to get to know it too, so that our events become an opportunity for meetings, conversations and cooperation. We have wonderful artists and an extremely rich legacy. It is worth talking about it and showing it to the world.”
The event was organised with support from Poland’s Senate, TVP, the Polish Film Institute (WFDiF), and the Association of Polish Filmmakers.
What this means for Poles in the US
The Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club has been promoting Polish culture in California for over half a century, demonstrating the enduring presence and influence of Polonia in American cultural life. For Poles living in the United States, events like the Modjeska Festival offer an opportunity to connect with Polish heritage whilst engaging with the wider American community.
The festival’s success in attracting both Polish and American audiences shows that Polish cultural institutions in the US continue to play a valuable role in building bridges between communities. Poles interested in Polish cultural events in California can look out for future editions of the festival, which typically takes place annually in the Los Angeles area and features a mix of film screenings, live performances, and meetings with artists.
The club’s focus on reaching beyond the Polish diaspora also creates opportunities for Polish artists and professionals working in the United States to gain recognition for their contributions to American culture, as demonstrated by this year’s award recipients who have all built successful careers in Hollywood.
