“THE QUEEN AND THE SMOKEHOUSE” BY IGA LIS IN THE OFFICIAL SELECTION OF THE SAN FRANCISCO IFF

“The Queen and the Smokehouse”, directed by Iga Lis, has been selected for the programme of the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival, which will take place from 24 April to 4 May 2026 in San Francisco. Inclusion in one of the most important film events in the United States marks another significant step in the film’s international journey.

Organised by SFFILM, the San Francisco festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. For nearly seventy years, it has remained an important platform for auteur and independent cinema, while the organisers’ activities extend beyond the festival programme itself to include year-round screenings, special events, and film education.

For “The Queen and the Smokehouse”, this is another major stop on its international circuit. The film was recently screened at the True/False Film Festival in the United States and at the Thessaloniki festival, and just a few days ago it also won the award for Best Film at a festival in Brittany. This was also another appearance for the film in France following its international premiere at FIPADOC in Biarritz in January. The screening in San Francisco thus becomes the next important stage in the film’s international path.

The protagonist of the film is Miecia, known as the “Queen of Łeba,” who runs the local smokehouse – an important place for the local community. For forty years, her ambition and dedication have sustained both the business and the people whose lives are tied to it. But when health problems force her to slow down, the future of the smokehouse comes into question. Set in Łeba, marked by its post-communist legacy, the film explores ambition, identity, work culture, and the sacrifices made in the name of providing security for one’s loved ones.

“The Queen and the Smokehouse” is produced by Studio Munka, operating under the Polish Filmmakers Association, and Silver Frame. The film’s international festival distribution and sales are handled by KFF Sales.

More information about the festival and the other films can be found here