The recent dismissal of Radosław Śmigulski as the director of the Polish Film Institute (PFI) by the Ministry of Culture has created shockwaves within the local film industry. Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, made the announcement during a press conference, citing the need to restore the independence of state institutions. This decision is part of a broader effort by the current government to remove individuals appointed during the previous administration.
Śmigulski was appointed as the director of PFI in 2017 by the former Law and Justice Party government, leading to protests from cinema professionals in Poland and Europe. The appointment was criticized for its alleged ties to censorship and lack of transparency, prompting calls for Śmigulski’s removal. The Ministry of Culture cited an audit of cinema financing and complaints from the film industry as reasons for the dismissal.
Response from the Film Community
Several key film guilds representing thousands of professionals in Poland voiced their concerns over Śmigulski’s leadership, highlighting issues such as censorship, restrictions on artists, and lack of transparency in decision-making. The decision to remove him from the role was welcomed by many in the industry who saw it as a step towards addressing these grievances. Kamila Dorbach has been appointed as the acting director, with plans for a permanent director to be selected through a competition in the future.
Śmigulski’s Departure
Following his dismissal, Śmigulski released a brief statement expressing gratitude to filmmakers, the media, and collaborators for their support during his tenure. Despite the end of his term as director, he wished success to his successor and the Polish film community in the years to come. The Ministry of Culture assured that the operations of PFI would continue as usual, with funding rounds proceeding as scheduled.
The removal of Radosław Śmigulski from his position at the Polish Film Institute marks a significant moment for the local film industry. As the Ministry of Culture seeks to address concerns raised by the film community and restore independence to state institutions, the appointment of a new director will be closely watched. The decision will not only have implications for the operations of PFI but also for the future of Polish cinema as a whole. It remains to be seen how this change in leadership will shape the direction of the industry and its relationship with the government in the years to come.