Great Polish Cinema: A Library Card Away

Streaming. On-Demand. Cable. Dish. Network TV.

The options consumers have today when it comes to accessing entertainment such as TV shows and movies seems to be growing longer each month. With new subscription services being announced almost every other week, it’s easy to feel skeptical as to whether each additional platform is worth the time, and more importantly, the subscription fee.

Well, while I do not have a clear-cut answer as to which service is best for each individual’s viewing habits and tastes, what I can offer is my recommendation for a different — and totally free — option.

Kanopy.com is a website which provides users with free access to a wide range of films and television shows. The only thing you need to access the site is your local library card. Over 4,000 libraries across America have already partnered with Kanopy, including Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco and the DC Public Library, the latter of which I am a member of. My library card grants me access to six films a month from Kanopy’s extensive repertoire of streamable content, which also includes a surprisingly wide array of Polish movies and education content about Poland.

From black and white classics directed by Andrzej Wajda and Roman Polanski, to more contemporary films such as Jack Strong and Oscar-winning Ida, Kanopy offers numerous films for Polish cinephiles to enjoy. Their list of documentaries is even more extensive, exploring various aspects relating to Polish history, arts and culture. So, before you pull out your credit card to subscribe to another streaming platform, first visit your local library and inquire about Kanopy. And while you’re there, register to vote, and explore the wealth of other resources that are at your disposal at your local library.

This article was published in the March 2020 edition of the Polish American Journal