In the gritty streets of an underprivileged neighborhood, eighteen-year-old Sandra “Zadra” Kwiecik fights daily battles. Living in a cramped apartment with her mother and younger brother, Witek, she hustles as a waitress, their main financial pillar. However, when night falls and the spotlight hits, Zadra channels the raw energy of her challenging environment, morphing into a rap force with unparalleled charisma. Immersed in the aggressive, male-dominated rap scene, her path to acclaim is strewn with obstacles. Her lyrics, a piercing reflection of her lived experiences and ongoing struggles, strike a chord with listeners. But everything intensifies when she encounters Motyl, the reigning rap kingpin of Poland. Suddenly, her dream-chasing world melds with a tumultuous love, pulling her into a whirlwind of intoxicating highs and perilous depths. Zadra’s tale is one of fierce ambition, turbulent love, and the relentless chase of dreams in a backdrop that’s constantly trying to pull her down.

Festival badges are available to purchase here.

ABOUT THE AUSTIN POLISH FILM FESTIVAL

The Austin Polish Film Festival (APFF) returns for its 18th year, solidifying its role as a premiere showcase of Polish cinematic talent. Since its launch in 2005, APFF has presented over 450 films, welcomed celebrated Polish filmmakers of both national and international acclaim, and firmly established itself within Austin’s bustling film landscape.

This year boasts a curated lineup, featuring award-winning dramas, insightful documentaries, and imaginative animations. One of the festival’s crown jewels is Kinga Debska’s “Fire Festival” (“Święto ognia”), a stirring adaptation of Jakub Małecki’s novel. Scheduled for November 3rd, audiences will be treated to an intimate Q&A session with lead actors Kinga Preis and Tomasz Sapryk post-screening.

Enhancing the cinematic experience, APFF collaborates with Dot Dot Dot Connect, a leading experiential art curator. This partnership brings forth an exclusive art exhibit celebrating the intricate works of acclaimed Polish poster artist, Patrycja Longawa.

Film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to cast their votes, leading to the much-anticipated Audience Award for the festival’s standout film. Keep an eye on www.austinpolishfilm.com for more details.

THIS SCREENING IS A COMMUNITY EVENT

As a nonprofit, it’s part of AFS’s mission to include and empower other local organizations, and Community Events at AFS Cinema are an invitation for audiences to get to know our partners and to help us shine a spotlight on their impactful work.