Host: Dominik Wierski
The Social Worlds of the Studio of Small Film Forms "Se-Ma-For" in Łódź
Authors: Ewa Ciszewska, Agata Hofelmajer-Roś, Michał Pabiś-Orzeszyna, Szymon Szul
This monograph is dedicated to one of the most significant institutions in Polish cinematography – the Studio of Small Film Forms "Se-Ma-For" in Łódź. The publication provides an in-depth analysis of the social worlds of animated film production between 1946 and 1999. The authors delve into the intricacies of Se-Ma-For’s operations, offering a fresh perspective on traditional studies of Polish cinema history.
Rather than focusing solely on the interpretation of canonical works, the book shifts attention to the non-aesthetic aspects of film production, uncovering previously unknown dimensions of animation studio operations. What distinguishes this monograph from others is its transdisciplinary approach, drawing on methodologies from film studies, sociology, and history. The authors go beyond analyzing archives and quantitative data, employing microhistory and oral history techniques, allowing readers to grasp the unique social and artistic dynamics of Se-Ma-For.
This book not only sheds new light on one of Poland’s most important film institutions, but also broadens the scope of research in the fields of film history and the sociology of art. It is an invaluable resource for all enthusiasts of animated film and Polish cinematographic heritage.
Year of publication: 2025
Number of pages: 250
"The book dismantles various myths surrounding Se-Ma-For’s operations. More than anything, it tells a story of overcoming crises, navigating a shortage economy, and dealing with an endless series of problems related to employment, funding, equipment, facilities, and partnerships. In this retelling, the films take a backseat, while hard archival data, witness testimonies, figures, and comparative analyses take center stage. From this perspective, there may not be many films or anecdotes in sight, but instead, we gain insight into hidden production mechanisms, the complex relationships between employees, the intersecting interests of different stakeholders, and innovative on-set solutions."
— Prof. Paweł Sitkiewicz
"For this project, the authors applied a unique methodological synthesis, drawing not only from production studies but also from the sociology of art, the sociology of creativity, network analysis, film studio research, comparative studies, and prosopography. This methodological mix proved to be both functionally cohesive and highly insightful."
— Prof. Marcin Adamczak
