• cosy cinema • 'My Nikifor' SATURDAY 6th June 7pm

Next screening: Saturday 30th May 7pm

As part of our Polish Heritage Days programme and BABski Weekend, we are delighted to present My Nikifor (2004), an award-winning Polish film directed by Krzysztof Krauze.

The film tells the remarkable true story of Nikifor Krynicki - a self-taught painter from the mountain town of Krynica, now recognised as one of Poland’s most important naïve artists. During his lifetime, however, he lived in poverty, faced discrimination, and was largely ignored by the art world. Despite creating an estimated 40,000 drawings and paintings, he spent most of his life unrecognised, selling works for pennies or giving them away.

Set during the final years of his life, Mój Nikifor follows the unlikely friendship between Nikifor and fellow painter Marian Włosiński, who gradually comes to recognise the extraordinary talent hidden behind the eccentric artist’s fragile appearance. Through their relationship, the film becomes a moving reflection on creativity, dignity, friendship, and the often unpredictable ways artistic recognition arrives.

One of the film’s most extraordinary aspects is the performance of Krystyna Feldman, one of Poland’s most beloved actresses, who portrays Nikifor. Feldman was in her eighties when she took on the role, delivering an unforgettable performance that earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Her sensitive portrayal captures both the vulnerability and quiet determination of an artist who spent a lifetime creating despite being overlooked by almost everyone around him.

Beautifully filmed in the landscapes of southern Poland, Mój Nikifor is both an intimate character portrait and a celebration of artistic persistence against the odds.

Polish language with English subtitles
Running time: 97 minutes

Project co-funded by The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London

Our •cosy cinema• screenings are a little bit mysterious by design. Most of the time we can’t tell you exactly what film we’ll be showing due to licensing restrictions - but we can promise it’s always an interesting choice. If you don’t like not knowing, join our mailing list and we’ll keep you informed there - we can do that 🙂

Expect something somewhere in the world of arthouse, world cinema and documentaries, often with an Eastern European connection. These are always films we genuinely enjoy and want to share with you.

After the screening, we stay for a casual, friendly discussion - very relaxed, and open to everyone.

Screenings are free, but donations are warmly welcomed - they help us keep bringing events like this to the community. There’s always tea and coffee available, sometimes snacks too (and you’re very welcome to bring something to share).

Spaces are limited, so if you book but can no longer make it, please let us know as soon as possible - someone else may be waiting for a spot.