About the Archive Idea
The Krzysztof Kieślowski Archives is a project run by the In Situ Contemporary Art Foundation, aimed at acquiring, digitizing, protecting, and disseminating archival resources related to the work of one of Europe’s most outstanding directors.
The ATKK could not have been established without the substantive help and trust given to the Foundation by Mrs. Maria Kieślowska, who provided materials from the family archive. Based on these materials, this living archive of the director’s memory and legacy was created and continues to develop in Sokołowsko, the Foundation’s headquarters – a laboratory for encounters with cinema and the creative approach of the “Three Colors” trilogy author.
Goals and Activities
The Foundation’s intention is to create the world’s only place, both physical and online, that comprehensively collects, stores, researches, and disseminates archives related to Krzysztof Kieślowski. A place where, through workshops, residencies, and conferences, one can examine in a creative and in-depth manner the significance and influences of Kieślowski’s still relevant voice in European cinema.
The main objectives of ATKK include processing and digitizing archival objects, archiving and securing source materials. Additionally, ATKK’s task is to initiate research and artistic projects created with the participation and use of the archive, as well as exhibition and publishing activities. The development plans for ATKK include cooperation with cultural and art institutions, museums, libraries, universities, research centers, film teams, and film schools in Poland and abroad.
Sokołowsko and Heritage
The archive is not only a unique collection but also the people who co-create it. The archive was initiated by Stanisław Zawiśliński. It is being developed by outstanding experts on his work and friends of the director.
So far, we have made available on the website part of the family archive collection. Eventually, we plan to share scripts, posters, correspondence, mementos, drawings, reviews, and other objects.
The Krzysztof Kieślowski Archives is located in Sokołowsko. He lived here with his parents and sister from 1951 to 1957. A cinema was already operating in Sokołowsko at that time, which influenced the life of the future director. Roman Kieślowski – the director’s father – who suffered from tuberculosis, was treated in this town, which has a long spa tradition in treating lung diseases. Kieślowski returned to these memories in the documentary film “X-Ray” (“Prześwietlenie”).
Throughout the year, at Kino Zdrowie (Health Cinema), run by the In Situ Contemporary Art Foundation, one can watch Polish and international art cinema productions. However, it is the Sokołowsko Film Festival Hommage à Kieślowski, ATKK’s flagship programming event, that attracts enthusiasts of exploratory cinema, exceptional guests, and loyal audiences.
ATKK’s partners are the National Film Archive – Audiovisual Institute and the Łódź Film School.