Early Polanski films to be shown at Edge Hill by visiting Vice Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor of one of Europe's most elite film schools is visiting Edge Hill University this week.

Professor Andrzej Bednarek is deputy head of The Polish National Film, Theatre and Television and School. Established in 1948, the institution counts Prof Bednarek himself as one of its past students.

Director Roman Polanski, winner of the Oscar for Best Director in 2003 for his Holocaust drama, The Pianist, is also amongst the schools most well-known alumni. Polanski, who resides in both France and Poland, is still a frequent visitor to the School.

Established in 1948, the institution, based in Lodz, Poland, is responsible for the ethos around which all other film schools, including those in London, Paris and Rome, are based.

Professor in Media at Edge Hill, Professor Tomasz Malinowski, spoke about his time at the Polish National Film School: "I was a student at the School from 1967 until 1971 and it was during this time that I met Polanski and made a film about the school for the BBC called Fine Cut. The film featured Polanski as well as Wajda, Zanussi, Skolimowski and Kieslowski."

As a celebration of the successes of the Polish National Film School and his own prolific career, which includes more than 25 documentaries and five television plays, Prof Bednarek will host a night at Liverpool's FACT.

At the private screening on Monday, 2 February, the 50 invited guests will be shown a variety of works including a selection of films made by Roman Polanski as a student.

A free showing of the specially devised programme will be staged the following night at 6pm on Tuesday, 3 February, at Edge Hill University's Studio Theatre, in the Performing Arts building, an event that is open to the public, staff and students.

To reserve a free place, please contact the Media department on 01695 58 4534 or email Chadford@edgehill.ac.uk.

Carol Poole, Head of Media at Edge Hill University said: "The Media department at Edge Hill has been developing its work in film and television for some years.

"We chose to benchmark against the best in the world and the Polish School is one of the world's Leaders.

"Our international links have grown alongside an incredible team of professional teaching staff who are still producing and directing films and television at the top of their profession, which gives our students a first class experience.

"As the Department continues to strengthen we strongly recommend coming to Edge Hill for a high quality experience. This visit by an esteemed international figure is a mark of our own growing reputation. We are delighted to be able to make some formal links with the Film School in Lodz, which we so admire and respect."

To learn more about studying media at Edge Hill University, go to www.edgehill.ac.uk/study/media.