Polish Film "The Birch Wood” (Brzezina) screened at the Eswatini European Film Festival 2026

14.05.2026

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria participated in the European Film Festival in Mbabane. This year's festival featured, among others, the Polish drama "The Birch Wood" (Brzezina) directed by Andrzej Wajda.

The audience at the Mbabane Theatre Club; gathered spectators in the foreground; EU flags in the background; a photographer taking photos of the audience; dim lights.

The choice of a Polish film was no accident. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Andrzej Wajda – one of the greatest Polish directors, an Oscar winner, and creator of unforgettable films that have become icons of Polish and international cinema. To mark this occasion, the Polish Parliament and other institutions passed resolutions establishing Wajda Year to honor his achievements and promote his work both domestically and internationally.

"The Birch Wood" was warmly received by the large audience and received thunderous applause. After the screening, viewers had the opportunity to discuss the film and share their impressions.

The European Film Festival was organized as part of the Team Europe initiative, involving the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Eswatini, the Alliance Française, and 10 EU Member States accredited to Eswatini (Austria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Portugal and Sweden). The event took place at the Mbabane Theatre Club from May 13-16.

The motto of this year's festival, now in its fifth year, was "Stronger Together." The festival featured 11 feature-length fiction and documentary films, as well as a number of short films by local filmmakers. This year's EU Film Festival attracted over 600 filmgoers, surpassing previous editions in attendance.

Photos: Grazyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria

Photos (6)

European Film Festival poster; program of film screenings during the four days of the festival, 13-16, 2026; logos of festival participants; logos of the EU and Alliance Française

A line of flags; in the foreground, the Polish flag - white and red.

A still from the film "Brzezina" (The Birch Wood); inscription: Directed by Andrzej Wajda; in the photo: Olgierd Łukaszewicz

A female festival moderator stands on stage; addresses the audience through a microphone; in the background, two rows of EU member state flags are displayed on either side of a screen; in the background, a screen showing a still from the film "Brzezina" (The Birch Wood).

Audience gathered in the foyer of the Mbabane Theatre Club; They're talking and taking pictures; some are sitting, some are standing; the foyer walls are green; there are paintings on the walls.