The organization is primarily composed of women, bringing strong collaborative energy and diverse perspectives to the work. We are united by a shared commitment to cultural exchange and thoughtful programming, supporting bold artistic voices and a wide range of cultural perspectives.
Meet Our Team
Founder & President
Monika Ekiert is a European cultural leader, actress, producer, and humanitarian working at the intersection of film, international cultural diplomacy, and social impact. Holding both Polish and French passports, she brings a uniquely European perspective shaped by years of cultural and professional engagement across Poland, France, and the United States.
She holds a Master’s degree from the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris, specializing in international economics and human resources in multinational organizations, and trained as an actress at Cours Florent, one of France’s most renowned acting schools.
Monika served as the Director of the Polish Film Festival North America – Hollywood, where she led the festival’s inaugural edition and established a platform dedicated to promoting Polish and European cinema in Los Angeles, creating a bridge between international filmmakers, institutions, and global audiences. Beyond her work in film and cultural initiatives, Monika has been actively involved in humanitarian and community work. She volunteered for several years with Pomost–Passerelle, a Polish organization supporting homeless individuals in Paris, and later contributed to humanitarian initiatives with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), supporting refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine. Through her artistic and cultural work, she continues to build transatlantic collaborations between Europe and the United States.
MONIKA EKIERT
PATRYCIA CANATAN
Patrycja Canatan is the Founder and Luxury Travel Advisor of HAUS OF NOMADS Travel, a boutique agency devoted to designing culturally immersive and historically rich journeys throughout Europe. She has been twice recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as a Top Travel Specialist, a distinction that reflects her expertise and dedication to exceptional travel experiences.
With a background spanning professional ballet, senior leadership roles in luxury hospitality as Director of Sales and Marketing, and her work as a certified travel advisor, she brings a distinctly curated and artful approach to travel design. Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to connect her clients with the essence of a destination - its history, culture, and refined sense of place.
She has served as Director of Marketing and Festival Events for the inaugural Polish Film Festival North America - Hollywood edtion and currently holds the role of Marketing Director and Event Specialist at the Hollywood European Center of Art and Culture.
Her work is defined by a deep commitment to cross cultural understanding, meaningful storytelling, and elevated, personalized travel experiences.
Director of Marketing, Partnerships and Events
LUIZA ZYGMUNT - SOSNOWSKA
Director of Programming
Luiza Zygmunt-Sosnowska, producer,TV director, and film distributor with over 20 years of experience in the audiovisual industry. Co-creator of multiple television formats and director of dozens of reality and entertainment TV episodes.
Co-owner of the Polish-American distribution company SONOVISION (Warsaw / Los Angeles), specializing in Polish cinema and international productions featuring world-renowned stars. She combines hands-on experience in film and television production with expert knowledge of international film sales and distribution.
Through an extensive network of industry relationships, she actively supports the promotion of Polish and European cinema and the development of projects at the intersection of culture and business.
ELIZA DANIEK
Director of Media and Cultural Relationships
Eliza Daniek is the Founder of Tactic Events, an international event company focused on delivering thoughtful, high-impact corporate events. With over ten years of experience across corporate, cultural, and private sectors, she has produced events in multiple countries, bringing together participants in cities such as Paris, Hamburg, and London. Her work combines strategic thinking with creative execution and a strong understanding of cross-cultural environments. Throughout her career, she has worked with multinational corporations, academic institutions, media platforms, and growing businesses, gaining insight from each experience.
She earned her degrees in the United Kingdom and France before continuing her professional journey in the United States. Eliza is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), where her research explores the implementation of artificial intelligence in corporate events and how emerging technologies can improve strategic planning and audience engagement.
In addition to her work in events, Eliza is a reporter for The Hollywood Times. This role allows her to stay closely connected to cultural and media developments shaping today’s global landscape. As a Director of Media and Cultural Relationships of the Hollywood Center for Polish and European Art and Culture, Eliza supports initiatives that promote European culture in the United States and strengthen transatlantic collaboration.
ANTONINA PAWLAK
Nina Anto is a Los Angeles-based Polish vocalist, composer, and music producer known for her love of alt-pop and her signature blend of a deep, expressive voice.
Graduate of CalArts - one of the world’s leading arts universities, founded by Walt Disney and now a GRAMMY Voting Member, Nina’s career reached a new milestone in 2026 when her song Thanks To Bridges secured official entry placement in three categories for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, earning her a spot on the ballot. Nina recently completed a high-profile project with the Academy Voting Member and Grammy- and Emmy-nominated composer William Goldstein.
In 2023, she became a Rafał Brzoska Foundation scholarship recipient, joining a select group of emerging talents. In 2022, Nina was awarded the prestigious Polish Ministry of Culture scholarship, which enabled her to creat and headline a European tour celebrating Polish culture through an immersive fusion of music and visual arts, with performances in Poland, the UK, France, Switzerland, and Norway.
Music & Art Director
RICHARD LUKE ROTHSCHILD
Treasurer
Richard Luke Rothschild is a successful film and television producer with extensive experience across major Hollywood studios, including Disney, Warner Bros, Fox, and Lionsgate, as well as in independent cinema. Known for his strong creative vision and production leadership, he has worked on numerous high-profile projects spanning both feature films and television. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Production at Lionsgate Television, where he oversaw major productions including the Power franchise, Spartacus: House of Ashur for Starz, and the Apple TV+ comedy Acapulco. His work in television has contributed to the development of globally recognized series and successful studio collaborations.
His feature film credits include The Truman Show, Double Jeopardy, The Scorpion King, and The Game Plan, as well as the critically acclaimed independent film Get Low. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with leading filmmakers, studios, and international partners, building a reputation for delivering high-quality productions and successful projects.
Richard Luke Rothschild also serves as Treasurer of the Hollywood Center for Polish and European Art and Culture, where he brings his industry expertise, strategic vision, and financial stewardship to support the organization’s cultural and artistic initiatives.
MALGORZATA PERRIER - KESTENBAUM
Małgosia Perrier Kestenbaum serves as Secretary of the Hollywood Center for Polish and European Art and Culture, where she supports board governance, oversees the organization’s official records, and helps ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and internal bylaws.
She holds a Baccalaureate in Foreign Languages from Poland and completed marketing studies at IFOCOP in France. With a strong international and multilingual background, she has worked as a translator and documentation specialist, using Polish, French, English, and Russian, including for SOFRETU, where she monitored and analyzed international press.She later worked with a recruitment agency, served as a commercial agent with Eurostar, gaining experience in international business and communication.
When she moved to the United States, continuing her international and multicultural professional path. Through her multilingual expertise, diligence, and organizational precision, Małgosia supports the Center’s mission and helps maintain effective communication and transparency within the Board of Directors.
Secretary