APF: Floor above | Advertisement for wood and coal lighters “One-two-five”

Another meeting of the Polish Film Academy at the Student Cinema “Blue Blanket” in Toruń, realized in cooperation with the National Film Archive — Audiovisual Institute.

In the program of the meeting, videos:

— Floor above — directed by Leon Trystan, — Advertisement for wood and coal lighters “One-two-five” — dir. anonymous

After the screening of the films, the lecture will be given by: Dr. Radosław Osiński from the Centre for Contemporary Art in Toruń.

The meeting takes place as part of the first semester of the APF Plot “In Search of Identity. Polish Cinema until 1956”, dedicated to the development of cinema on Polish soil in the first half century of its existence — from pioneering productions to the first works of the Polish Film School.

The Polish Film Academy is a nationwide educational program of the National Film Archive — Audiovisual Institute, which disseminates knowledge about the history of Polish cinematography. Each meeting combines a film lecture with a film screening, allowing us to look at indigenous cinema through its creators, genres, themes and historical contexts.

In the academic year 2026/2027, Toruń for the first time joins the group of cities where the program of the Polish Film Academy is implemented.

Floor Up (1937)

Directed by Leon Trystan

“Piètro” is one of the most recognizable Polish musical comedies of the interwar period. Its protagonist is Henryk Pączek, a radio announcer and music lover, who comes into conflict with his neighbor, also bearing the name Pączek. Disagreements between the tenants lead to a series of comic situations, and the feeling that arises between Henry and Loda further complicates their relationship. The film combines dynamic action, situational humor and songs, among which a special place is occupied by “I dated her at the ninth”. The main roles are played by Eugeniusz Bodo and Helena Grossówna. “The Floor Above” is a graceful story about love, mistakes and everyday vicissitudes, and at the same time a colorful picture of the entertainment culture of pre-war Poland.

Advertisement for wood and coal lighters “One-two-five” (c. 1927)

Dir. Anonymous

A short advertising film from the late 1920s, which is an example of the use of cinema as a tool to promote products and services. The material is dedicated to wood and coal lighters “One-two-five” and shows how the video could serve to present practical solutions to facilitate everyday life. This is an interesting example of early audiovisual advertising, which allows us to look not only at the development of Polish cinema, but also at the changes in customs and consumer habits of the interwar period. The film is a testament to the times when moving images were increasingly boldly used outside the traditional cinema hall, incorporating it into the burgeoning culture of advertising.