On Tuesday, September 22, the Józef Piłsudski Institute of America hosted an advance screening of Józefa, attended by its director, Kathryn Kalucki, who also portrays the title character. Inspired by the story of Kathryn’s Polish grandmother, Józefa, the film moved a full house with its portrayal of survival, separation, hope, and solidarity. The screening also included behind-the-scenes footage offering a glimpse into the making of the film.
In 1940, Józefa and her family were deported by the Soviet authorities from Poland to Siberia. Following her release under the Sikorski–Mayski Agreement, she left the Soviet Union with Anders’ Army. Traveling through Persia, she reached the Polish refugee settlement in Valivade, India, in 1943. The film follows her arrival in Valivade, her efforts to rebuild her life, and her search for the sister from whom she had been separated by the war. Her story also highlights the refuge India provided to nearly five thousand Polish refugees during World War II. While researching the film, Kathryn drew on materials from the Institute’s archives.
For one evening, the Institute stepped back into the 1940s. Guests arrived in period attire, and music played on a gramophone. A typewriter and a vintage movie camera completed the atmosphere of the era. For the occasion, Kathryn provided replicas of the identity card issued to Józefa upon her arrival in Valivade, along with reproductions of historical ink stamps. Guests filled out the cards upon arrival and had them stamped. A member of Kathryn’s crew wearing a reproduction of a Polish military uniform then checked the cards, adding to the immersive experience.
Especially moving was the presence of Helena Knapczyk, who survived deportation to Siberia by the Soviets and whose journey after leaving the Soviet Union took her to Africa. She reflected that although Józefa takes place in a different country, it also tells her own story. She thanked the filmmaker for bringing these experiences to the screen.
Kathryn Kalucki is a director and producer of narrative and documentary films. She has worked on productions for Paramount, Netflix, and Warner Bros., including Ambulance and The Walking Dead, and now develops her own projects through JayKat Productions. Her Polish roots and family history hold a special place in her work.
The film has qualified for Oscar consideration. We thank Kathryn for this unforgettable evening, wish her and the entire team every success on their Oscar journey, and look forward to the feature-length version of Józefa!
