TOP PHOTO: Still from the film "Everything for Sale": Beata Tyszkiewicz, Małgorzata Potocka, and Elżbieta Czyżewska
Małgorzata Potocka, a distinguished figure in Polish cinema and theater, began her illustrious career with a pivotal role in Andrzej Wajda's 1969 film Everything for Sale (Wszystko na sprzedaż). This film not only marked her cinematic debut but also set the stage for a diverse and impactful career in the arts.
A Promising Debut Under Wajda's Direction
In Everything for Sale, Potocka portrayed a character known as "The Little" (Mała), a role that, while modest in screen time, was significant in the film's exploration of grief and the filmmaking process. The movie itself was Wajda's introspective tribute to his late friend and actor Zbigniew Cybulski, blending reality and fiction in a narrative about a director coping with the sudden loss of his lead actor. Potocka's performance contributed to the film's meta-cinematic narrative, reflecting on the personal and professional ramifications of loss in the creative world.
Special Screening and Appearance at NYPFF 2025
As part of the 20th New York Polish Film Festival, audiences will have the unique opportunity to experience Everything for Sale on the big screen—accompanied by a very special guest.
🗓 Thursday, May 29, 2025
🕕 5:30 PM
📍 Scandinavia House, 60 Park Ave, New York City
🎤 Małgorzata Potocka will be in attendance to introduce the film and share personal reflections on her collaboration with Andrzej Wajda and her experience working on one of Poland's most introspective and self-referential cinematic works.
This is a rare moment to revisit a landmark film through the eyes of one of its original cast members—an evening not to be missed by lovers of cinema and Polish cultural history.
Beyond the Screen: A Multifaceted Artist
Following her debut, Potocka pursued formal education in the arts, graduating from the Acting Department in 1978 and the Directing Department in 1981 at the Polish National Film, Television and Theater School in Łódź. Her academic background laid the foundation for a career that spanned acting, directing, producing, and visual arts.
Potocka's filmography includes notable works such as Major Hubal (1973) and Miss Nobody (Panna Nikt, 1996), the latter directed by Wajda, indicating a continued professional relationship between the actress and the director. Her versatility extended to television, with roles in series like Plebania and Barwy szczęścia.
As a director and producer, Potocka has been involved in various projects, including experimental films and music videos. Her contributions to the arts are not confined to performance; she has also been active in visual arts, with exhibitions in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Paris, Budapest, and New York. Her co-founding of the Exchange Gallery in Łódź with Józef Robakowski highlights her commitment to avant-garde and experimental art forms.
Educator and Cultural Advocate
Potocka's dedication to the arts extends into education and cultural advocacy. She has lectured at various universities in the United States and has been involved in workshops and festivals, such as the Vintage Photo Festival, where she shared insights into her multifaceted career. Her role as the general and artistic director of the Powszechny Theater in Radom underscores her leadership in promoting cultural initiatives and supporting theatrical arts in Poland.
A Legacy Intertwined with Polish Cinema
Małgorzata Potocka's career, initiated by her collaboration with Andrzej Wajda, reflects a deep engagement with Polish cinema and culture. Her evolution from a debut actress in a seminal film to a prominent figure in various artistic disciplines exemplifies the dynamic nature of creative expression. Potocka's ongoing contributions continue to enrich the cultural landscape, making her a significant presence in the realm of Polish arts.
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