INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE OF MIKOŁAJ JANIK’S FILM AT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The short documentary "The Light of Immortality", directed by Mikołaj Janik, celebrated its international premiere at the 44th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) — one of the most prominent film events in North America. This year’s edition took place from October 2–12, 2025, attracting cinema enthusiasts from around the world.
Janik’s film was the only Polish title in the programme and was screened in the Short Forum section, Absurd and Spiritual block, alongside productions from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Portugal. Both screenings in the block drew significant attention - tickets were sold out to the very last seat.
The film’s team traveled to Canada in strong representation. The festival screenings were attended by editor Jakub Rados, production designer Magdalena Janik, composer Michał Drabczyk, producer Andrzej Pałka, and director Mikołaj Janik, who also took part in industry events and panel discussions dedicated to topics such as documentary production and film music. This year’s short film programme explored themes of social and identity struggles: disillusionment with capitalism, minority narratives — including queer cinema - powerful HERstories, and the ever-inspiring tradition of experimental film.
About the film
“The Light of Immortality” tells the story of the largest collection of spectacular kerosene lamps in Poland — and its determined guardian, fifty-year-old Janusz. As he builds his grand collection, will he also find space for his wife and children? What does he try to hide from his family — and from us — while narrating his own life story? Blending documentary realism with elements of genre cinema, the film embraces the spirit of “great adventure” and enriches its narrative with a full orchestral score.
The success of "The Light of Immortality" is particularly meaningful given that the film was produced outside traditional funding systems. Following its premiere at the Krakow Film Festival and now in Vancouver, it continues its international festival journey. The film is distributed by Sławomir Kruk. The team’s travel to Canada was made possible thanks to the support of the Polish Film Institute, Adam Mickiewicz Institute, and the Wadowice City Hall.
More information about the festival can be found here.