WHAT: Opening program features a panel discussion "New Trends in Polish Cinema and the American Connection." Guests include film director Jacek Blawut and his crew; film actress Malgorzata Kozuchowska; Malgorzata Szum, counselor, culture and public relations attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Poland; and Sheila Skaff, Polish Cultural Institute, New York City.

TIME, DATE, PLACE: Friday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610

BACKGROUND: For five days, Nov. 14 to 18, the annual celebration of Polish cinematic creativity will showcase six feature films, selected documentaries, and a collection of shorts from emerging film makers at the Little Theatre. Along with the screenings, two of the leading lights of the Polish film industry, director Jacek Blawut and actress Malgorzata Kozuchowska, will be in town to discuss their work with audiences. More details here.