"Natalia Zuch expresses her love for Polish cinema while discussing her role in curating Germany's largest Polish film festival, FilmPOLSKA"
In the heart of Berlin, the 19-year-old film festival, filmPOLSKA, is preparing for its latest edition, celebrating Polish cinema and fostering cultural exchange between Poland and Germany. Natalia Zuch, the new head of filmPOLSKA, is at the helm, acting as a cultural and linguistic bridge to facilitate effective communication and understanding.
Zuch, who hails from Łódź, a city known for its film school and filmmaking, moved to Berlin in 2014. She finds filmmaking a way to escape the heavy city and dream big. For Zuch, documentaries bring a profound feeling of wonder, connection, diversity, and respect for the world.
filmPOLSKA, now in its 19th year, aims to exchange stereotypes with curiosity and mutual inspiration. This year's theme is change. The festival will kick off on September 11 with the documentary In The Rearview by Maciek Hamela. Over 50 films will be presented across six different programmes, along with an exhibition, masterclass, documentary film workshop, and a festival party.
One of the highlights of this year's festival is the introduction of a new format. Other film festivals will co-curate, with HER Docs festival from Warsaw showcasing a programme called 'Good Girls No More'. Three short film programmes, including Kunst im Kino, will focus on attempts to critically illuminate the phenomenon of ritual.
Zuch's role in filmPOLSKA involves more than just translating language. She understands the nuances of both Polish and German cultures, enabling her to translate cultural contexts as well. This helps organizers, filmmakers, and audiences from both countries connect more deeply. Her responsibilities likely include coordinating logistics, translating promotional materials, and ensuring that messages resonate well with both Polish and German participants.
A special Retrospective programme at filmPOLSKA will mark the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising in partnership with Deutsches Historisches Museum. This programme promises to be a poignant reflection on history and its impact on both nations.
Growing up, Zuch found that the greatest ideas and friendships come out of seemingly still moments. This philosophy is reflected in her approach to filmPOLSKA, where she fosters connections and mutual appreciation between Poland and Germany.
Details about the festival can be found at the festival's official website. Join us in celebrating Polish cinema and cross-cultural collaboration at filmPOLSKA this September.
- Beyond the realm of film, Natalia Zuch has an interest in lifestyle, particularly in fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink trends.
- Zuch often finds inspiration for her personal-growth and mindfulness in the recipes she experiments with during her cooking sessions.
- As a global citizen, she travels extensively to immerse herself in the culinary delights of different global-cuisines.
- While traveling, she enjoys exploring new cities in electric-vehicles, ensuring a lower carbon footprint.
- Her adventures often lead her to take up adventure-travel, allowing her to experience exotic locales, cultures, and landscapes.
- During her travels, she has discovered the importance of budget-travel, learning to balance luxury and frugality.
- In her spare time, Zuch is an avid learner, constantly engaging in online-education, particularly in the fields of education-and-self-development and skills-training.
- In terms of productivity, she sets goals for her learning journey, ensuring a lifelong-learning approach to life.
- Apart from filmmaking, Zuch also follows sports closely, particularly football, with a keen interest in the Champions League, European leagues, Premier League, Laliga, and sports-analysis.
- Every now and then, she indulges in sports betting, adding an extra layer of excitement to her favorite European leagues.
- Zuch has also shown interest in weather forecasting, often adjusting her travel plans based on weather updates.
- In her role as the head of filmPOLSKA, she employs her excellent communication skills to ensure a smooth job-search and career-development process for the festival's staff and contributors.
- To maintain the festival's vehicle fleet in optimal condition, she occasionally delves into car-maintenance topics, ensuring the efficiency of the festival's operations.
- With her comprehensive understanding of Polish and German cultures, she can provide valuable insights on culture-travel, offering advice for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of these nations.
- As the festival approaches, she begins to coordinate with various film festivals worldwide, fostering exchange and collaboration in the world of cinema and arts.
- Alongside the festival's regular programmes, she has also planned for workshops in areas such as cooking, arts, and sports, offering attendees a diverse range of experiences.
- As the festival comes to a close, Zuch reflects on the successful event, setting her sights on the future and the possibilities of new partnerships, collaborations, and cultural exchanges.
