Jacek Knopp

A century of Polish animation unfolds pre-war avant-garde experiments to today’s independent scene. It foregrounds a generation of committed artists who, working amid shifting social and cultural conditions, forged a singular visual language — blending cut-outs, puppets, and experimental techniques with surrealism, philosophy, and dark humour. Drawing on pioneers such as Jan Lenica and Walerian Borowczyk, the film explores how animation became a space for artistic exploration, subtle commentary, and formal innovation. A chronicle of artistic triumphs and an intimate portrait of a medium that constantly redefined the boundaries of imagination.

Witold Kaczanowski is one of Poland’s best-known artists, much more famous abroad than in his country of origin. He was born in Poland and spent his childhood under German occupation. Since 1980 he has lived and worked in the USA, where his art attracted numerous admirers and collectors.

A century of Polish animation unfolds pre-war avant-garde experiments to today’s independent scene. It foregrounds a generation of committed artists who, working amid shifting social and cultural conditions, forged a singular visual language — blending cut-outs, puppets, and experimental techniques with surrealism, philosophy, and dark humour. Drawing on pioneers such as Jan Lenica and Walerian Borowczyk, the film explores how animation became a space for artistic exploration, subtle commentary, and formal innovation. A chronicle of artistic triumphs and an intimate portrait of a medium that constantly redefined the boundaries of imagination.

Witold Kaczanowski is one of Poland’s best-known artists, much more famous abroad than in his country of origin. He was born in Poland and spent his childhood under German occupation. Since 1980 he has lived and worked in the USA, where his art attracted numerous admirers and collectors.

Witold Kaczanowski is one of Poland’s best-known artists, much more famous abroad than in his country of origin. He was born in Poland and spent his childhood under German occupation. Since 1980 he has lived and worked in the USA, where his art attracted numerous admirers and collectors.