The 17th edition of the American Film Festival in Wrocław, Poland, will run from November 17–22, featuring the U.S. in Progress industry sidebar. According to Ula Śniegowska, director of the Wrocław-based fest, the program connects European buyers and Polish post-producers with American independent filmmakers.
How does the U.S. in Progress model function?
Unlike many industry labs that focus on market presentations, U.S. in Progress prioritizes direct, practical support. “They’re like: ‘Come to Poland, we’ll give you some money and introduce you to programmers,’” says Rob Rice, who has attended the event three times. The program provides grants and partnerships with Polish post-production studios, such as XANF and Fixafilm, to help filmmakers complete projects with modest budgets.
U.S. in Progress alumni have seen significant success on the global circuit. Recent projects include Jane Schoenbrun’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, which opened the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and India Donaldson’s Good One.
Why are Polish post-production services gaining traction?
Polish studios are increasingly positioning themselves as competitive alternatives to established hubs in Hungary and the Czech Republic. According to Śniegowska, the festival’s goal is to increase the visibility of these companies on the European market. Producer Tristan Scott-Behrends notes that the talent in Poland is “exceptional,” offering American filmmakers a chance to stretch tight budgets through high-quality partnerships.
What impact does the program have on indie film production?
For many filmmakers, the festival acts as a catalyst for project completion. Katarina Zhu, who worked with Fixafilm and XANF on the film Bunnylovr, stated that the grants and partnerships were “instrumental” to the film’s success. By providing early momentum and professional validation, the program helps projects transition from development to festival premieres. “U.S. in Progress selected is the first sign their project is appreciated by a professional international jury,” says Śniegowska.
Recent success stories
- Bunnylovr: Featuring Katarina Zhu and Rachel Sennott; relied on Polish partnerships for post-production.
- Night Nurse: A thriller by Georgia Bernstein that screened at Sundance.
- Take Me Home: Directed by Liz Sargent.
- Ponderosa: Directed by Rob Rice and featuring Alexis Bledel; showcased at Tribeca.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do submissions open for the American Film Festival?
Submissions open in July, according to festival organizers.
Is the festival only for Polish filmmakers?
No, the U.S. in Progress sidebar is specifically designed to connect American independent filmmakers with European industry professionals and Polish post-production studios.
What is the significance of the “Indie Star Award”?
The award is presented by the American Film Festival, which is a sister festival to Tauron New Horizons. Previous recipients include John Waters, Susan Seidelman, and Jesse Eisenberg.
If you are an independent filmmaker, look for labs that offer concrete post-production partnerships rather than just general market presentations. As Rob Rice notes, the most essential outcomes often come from direct, cumulative interactions rather than industry “fluff.”
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