Polish Cultural Institute Launches Major Andrzej Żuławski Retrospective
Polish Cultural Institute and Garden Cinema open the UK's most comprehensive Andrzej Żuławski retrospective
August 21st, 2026
On August 21, 2026, the Polish Cultural Institute in London—the cultural diplomatic mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland—partnered with The Garden Cinema in Covent Garden to open "Devils and Shamans", the UK's most comprehensive retrospective celebrating visionary filmmaker Andrzej Żuławski. Running through late October, the season showcases digitally restored masterpieces to British audiences, highlighting the auteur's enduring global legacy.
The opening night served as a strategic exercise in cultural diplomacy, designed to position Polish avant-garde cinema within the mainstream international arts circuit. By showcasing Żuławski’s uncompromising visual style, the Polish Cultural Institute leveraged national cinematic heritage to stimulate critical cultural dialogue among British cinephiles, foreign diplomats, and film industry professionals.
Central to the diplomatic collaboration is the screening of rare, restored 4K prints of landmark films such as The Third Part of the Night and On the Silver Globe. The partnership with an independent London venue demonstrates how cultural missions collaborate directly with local British institutions, allowing high-calibre historical assets to reach diverse audiences outside conventional diplomatic venues.
Complementing the film screenings, the retrospective program incorporates introductory lectures, critical panel discussions, and contextual essays from leading British and Polish film historians. These academic exchanges examine the complex political and philosophical undertones of Żuławski's work, providing UK audiences with a nuanced understanding of Cold War-era Polish intellectual resistance and artistic freedom.
The launch of the "Devils and Shamans" retrospective highlights the power of cinematic diplomacy in elevating national artistic identity abroad. By introducing new generations of British viewers to one of Poland's boldest filmmakers, the Polish Cultural Institute successfully deepened cross-cultural appreciation between Poland and the United Kingdom.
