What does the Polish seaside make you think of? Golden sand, salt water, or perhaps crowds of tourists and tacky souvenir stands? Or is it the tastes and aromas that cannot be found anywhere else? There is a special place like this in Łeba – Miecia’s smokehouse – where one can sample the finest fish in the region. It is into her seaside kingdom that we’re transported by Iga Lis’s bittersweet documentary, opening the 65th Krakow Film Festival. The ceremony and world premiere of “The Queen and the Smokehouse“ with the director, numerous crew members, and invited guests will take place on 25th May at 6:00 pm at the Kijów Cinema.
“The Queen and the Smokehouse“ is a tale about the last bastions of authenticity in places consumed by tourism – about spaces that are slowly disappearing, just like the people who created them. It reflects on the passage of time but also tells a story of female strength in the pursuit of success and dedication to providing for loved ones. The film shows how easily something meant to bring fulfilment can become an unbearable burden,” explains director Iga Lis.
The strong-willed Miecia, self-proclaimed and universally acknowledged as the Queen of Łeba, runs a seaside smokehouse – a true gem and pride of the local community. Lines of tourists waiting for her products can be seen from afar, and the flavours of her fish linger in the memories of visitors from all over Poland long after they have returned home. A hard worker, she has paid the price for her immense success with serious health issues. For 40 years, her ambition and dedication formed the foundation of her business that provided employment for the locals. Now Miecia must slow down and take care of herself, leaving her beloved establishment to her colleagues. Is her kingdom going to survive the change?
The Queen and the Smokehouse by Iga Lis is an unconventional snapshot of the seaside. Tourists on the beach, ships in the harbour, and soaring seagulls are merely colourful additions to the story of a strong, female protagonist. Her smokehouse is not just an iconic spot on Łeba’s map but also a symbol of a passing era. Small, local businesses run by bold and offbeat owners and spirited female entrepreneurs are failing, giving way to unified corporate competition.
“There’s no better film to open the festival than a spectacular debut that transports us to a place considered mythical by many Poles – the Baltic Sea! Although we increasingly seek warmer beaches, our sea remains unrivalled for many reasons. Perhaps it’s the result of nostalgic childhood memories? Or maybe the charm of such places and people makes us passionately root for them during the screening, and soon after, queue up for some fish ourselves,” explains Krzysztof Gierat, Director of the Krakow Film Festival, justifying the selection.
Iga Lis is a film director and history graduate from the London School of Economics. She co-created the Olsnienie and Przebudzenie projects aimed at increasing voter turnout among young Poles. At the heart of her work lies the theme of age and the various stages of human life, as shown by the short film In My Day and the feature-length The Queen and the Smokehouse, which received awards during its production stage at the industry events Docs to Start KFF Industry 2023 and MDAG Industry 2024.
The film is produced by Munk Studio, with Silver Frame responsible for executive production. Co-producers include Canal+ and MX35.
Passes for the 65th Krakow Film Festival are on sale now!
The Krakow Film Festival is organised with financial support from the City of Krakow, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Polish Film Institute, and the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme. The Polish Filmmakers Association serves as co-organiser.
The 65th Krakow Film Festival will be held from 25 May to 1 June 2025, and online on KFF VOD from 30 May to 15 June.