The grand opening of the 20th Austin Polish Film Festival will begin with a screening of the film “Chopin, Chopin!” directed by Michal Kwiecinski.
Afterwards, a reception catered by Apolonia Catering.
Admission: $50
CHOPIN, CHOPIN!
Screening time: November 2, 2:30pm @ Galaxy Theatre, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin
2h 13m | Biography | 2025
Director: Michał Kwieciński
Screenplay: Bartosz Janiszewski, Victor Meutelet
Cast: Eryk Kulm, Joséphine de La Baume
Cinematography: Michał Sobociński
Music / Composer: Frédéric Chopin
Synopsis: A bold and lyrical portrait of Frédéric Chopin, this biographical drama reimagines the composer as a vibrant, charismatic force in 1830s Paris. At just 25, Chopin dazzles aristocrats and royalty, performing in salons, teaching to stay afloat, and composing timeless works—all while concealing a worsening illness with charm and wit.
The film unfolds in vivid, interwoven scenes that reveal Chopin as a “rockstar of his time,” driven by passion, spontaneity, and creative fire. His relationships with strong women—including George Sand and Maria Wodzińska—shape both his emotional world and musical genius. Eryk Kulm leads a stellar cast in this sweeping exploration of desire, decline, and artistic legacy.
The music for Chopin, Chopin! was overseen by renowned Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak. Olejniczak guided lead actor Eryk Kulm in preparing and performing Chopin’s compositions for the film. While the score itself is built around Chopin’s original works, Olejniczak’s involvement ensured authenticity and emotional depth in the musical interpretation.
This collaboration adds a layer of realism to the film, as Kulm spent months learning to play Chopin’s pieces, bringing the composer’s artistry to life on screen.
