In November 2025, we mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Stefan Żeromski, who was not only an outstanding writer, but also an active independence activist and social reformer. Even before World War II, filmmakers often adapted his works to the screen, as it lent itself perfectly to building a patriotic narrative about the emerging Second Polish Republic. At the festival, we revisit several somewhat forgotten classic film adaptations of Żeromski’s works, directed by renowned filmmakers.

The Story of Sin, dir. Walerian Borowczyk (Poland) 1975, 124’, 15+

Łukasz Niepołomski rents a room in the apartment of the Pobratyński family. He catches the attention of their daughter, Ewa. The two fall in love, but Łukasz is already married. Unable to obtain a divorce, he decides to renounce Ewa and leaves without giving her his address. Some time later, Ewa receives a letter informing her that Łukasz has been seriously wounded and is in the hospital. She leaves her family home and sets out to reunite with her beloved.
Walerian Borowczyk’s film is the third screen adaptation of Stefan Żeromski’s novel.
The screening will be preceded by a lecture held by Piotr Kotowski.