Film's Feisty Femmes

“Scholars have been noting for some time the growing number of female auteurs in the Polish production space. Helena Goscilo and Vincent Albarano now treat us to an account of their distinctive styles, thematic approaches, and industry strategies. They make an excellent team: as a leading expert on both Polish cinema and women's creative practices in Eastern Europe more globally, Goscilo writes from a place of deep, embedded knowledge, while Albarano, a specialist of genre cinema, contributes sparkling close readings of individual works. The result is a meticulously researched yet highly engaging take on one of the most important developments in Eastern European cinema today.” — Masha Shpolberg, Assistant Professor, Bard College

“Helena Goscilo’s witty, erudite, and impeccably researched book explores a vital new phenomenon in contemporary Polish cinema: the emergence of an extraordinarily talented cohort of female film directors whose domestic and international productions have come to define today’s Polish filmmaking. Her composite portrait of these “feisty femmes” and their remarkable output will be an invaluable guide for scholars, students, and cinephiles interested in delving into Poland’s cinematic landscape.” — Łukasz Wodzyński, Assistant Professor of Polish, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"Film’s Feisty Femmes is a groundbreaking and timely exploration of the evolving landscape of Polish cinema through the lens of its female directors. By examining the works of nine filmmakers, the monograph sheds light on the unique artistic voices that have shaped contemporary Polish film while situating them within broader cinematic and cultural contexts. The book’s feminist perspective enriches its textual analysis, offering readers an in-depth understanding of the directors’ storytelling techniques, thematic concerns, and visual styles. By engaging with the reception of these films—both domestically and internationally—the study underscores the significance of women’s contributions to Poland’s flourishing film industry and highlights the shifting dynamics of gender representation in European cinema at large. What makes this work particularly pioneering is its commitment to accessibility and its recognition of the growing global interest in Polish film. By catering to anglophone scholars, students, and cinephiles, the monograph expands the reach of these directors’ achievements, aligning with the increased visibility of Polish films on major streaming platforms, such as Netflix. Furthermore, the study situates the rise of female directors within the broader transformation of Poland’s film industry, which has benefited from institutional support and international collaborations. Film’s Feisty Femmes not only celebrates the artistic innovation of these directors but also contributes to an ongoing, vital conversation about gender, power, and creative expression in contemporary cinema." — Elena Prokhorova and Alexander Prokhorov