Refocus: the Films of Agnieszka Holland

This insightful monograph examines the diverse films of Agnieszka Holland, highlighting her contributions to both cinema and television across various cultural contexts.

The book Refocus: the Films of Agnieszka Holland offers an in-depth exploration of the remarkable career of Polish director Agnieszka Holland. As the first monograph dedicated to her work, it highlights her significance as an internationally renowned filmmaker, an Oscar nominee, and a recipient of numerous accolades from film festivals around the world. The text delves into her diverse body of work, which spans from powerful Holocaust narratives like Europa, Europa to her contributions to acclaimed television series such as HBO's The Wire.

In Refocus: the Films of Agnieszka Holland, the author contextualizes Holland's films within various cinematic frameworks, including art, popular cinema, and transnational narratives. This comprehensive study not only examines her artistic contributions but also situates her work within broader cultural movements, including women's and queer cinema. Holland's multifaceted identity as an auteur, celebrity director, and political activist is explored, revealing the complexities of her public persona and the impact of her films on contemporary cinema.

The book also traces Holland's unique career trajectory, which began in the Eastern Bloc and evolved through Western Europe and North America, ultimately returning to a unified Europe. This zigzagging journey reflects the transformations in cultural production following the Cold War, making Refocus: the Films of Agnieszka Holland a vital resource for understanding the interplay between cinema and societal change.