On March 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM, a unique evening inaugurating the 2026 KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival will take place at the prestigious RIAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This year’s opening gala will have a special character – its guest of honor will be the outstanding Polish-American actress Dagmara Domińczyk, one of the most recognized and acclaimed figures in contemporary cinema and television.
Star of international renown
For years, Dagmara Domińczyk has built an impressive career in Hollywood, combining artistic sensitivity with a strong, distinct voice of the Polish diaspora in the United States. Audiences worldwide know her from productions such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Rock Star, the multi-award-winning HBO series Succession, as well as the films The Lost Daughter and Priscilla directed by Sofia Coppola.
The actress is not only an acclaimed film artist but also an author and an important representative of the Polish-American community in contemporary culture. Her presence at the festival underscores the growing importance of creators of Polish origin in the international film industry.
Kosciuszko Foundation 2026 Pioneer Award
During the opening gala, Dagmara Domińczyk will be honored with the Kosciuszko Foundation 2026 Pioneer Award, granted for outstanding achievements and contribution to the development of film art. This distinction is awarded to individuals who not only achieve professional success but also build bridges between Poland and the United States through their artistic and social activities.
The award ceremony will be one of the most important moments of the inaugural evening, emphasizing the mission of the Kościuszko Foundation and the festival itself – promoting Polish culture, film, and creators on the international stage.
Exclusive event
The opening gala is a closed event and is intended exclusively for invited VIP guests and Festival Pass holders. This is a unique opportunity to directly participate in one of the most important cultural events of the Polish community in the US capital.
Organizers encourage the purchase of festival passes, which allow participation not only in the opening gala but also in film screenings, meetings with creators, and accompanying events.
Support Polish cinema in Washington D.C.
The KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival is a project co-financed by the Polish Film Institute. Thanks to institutional support and the involvement of sponsors and donors, the festival consistently builds its position as one of the key events promoting Polish cinema in the United States.
The organizers encourage supporting the initiative by:
- making a donation,
- sponsoring the event.
Every support contributes to the further development of the festival and the promotion of Polish creators on the international film scene.
About the festival
The Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival has for years presented the most interesting productions of Polish cinema – both feature films, documentaries, and works by young creators. The event serves as a platform for cultural dialogue and a meeting place for artists, producers, critics, and film enthusiasts.
Detailed information about the festival program, presented films, and participation opportunities is available on the official website:
www.dcpolishfilmfest.org
and www.kfpolishfilmfest.org
The gala with Dagmara Domińczyk promises to be one of the most important cultural events in the calendar of the American Polonia in 2026. This is a unique opportunity to jointly celebrate the successes of Polish artists and strengthen the presence of Polish cinema on the world stage.
