Lynchland revisited: Duality as a source of “the uncanny” in films directed by David Lynch.
6pm, Friday 26th September, PUNO Lecture Room, POSK
Step into Lynchland – the world where duality and the uncanny intertwine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. “Lynchland revisited: Duality as a source of “the uncanny” in films directed by David Lynch” offers an in-depth exploration of these themes, drawing on Sigmund Freud’s theory of “the uncanny” to shed light on the psychological depth of Lynch’s work.
Each chapter considers a different aspect of duality in Lynch’s films – ranging from fear induced by distorted realities, through the concept of the doppelgänger and the dual nature of humanity, to the blurred boundaries between dreams and waking life. The book explores how Lynch’s visions paint the atmosphere of unease, revealing hidden fears lurking in the depths of the human psyche and examines how the motif of the double reflects the complexity of identity and the way that various forms of rebellion – from childhood defiance to existential self-searching – are portrayed in his cinematic universe.
Dr Zegarlińska reveals that duality in Lynch’s work is more than just a source of fear – it is a compelling journey into the subconscious itself, as Lynch draws his viewers into a dark, hypnotic world, where reality bends and inner (often ugly!) truths come to light, making duality a powerful force at the heart of his storytelling.
Dr. Magdalena Wanda Zegarlińska (Unit of Contemporary British Culture, PUNO) specializes in British literature, American film, and cross-continent cultural studies. Her work focuses especially on C.S. Lewis and filmmaker David Lynch. During her PhD studies, she published several articles on Lynch, including analyses of time, alienation, dream symbolism and sexuality in his films. Dr. Zegarlińska has presented her research at international conferences and led academic projects exploring themes such as eschatology, memory and identity. She has taught at the University of Gdańsk, PUNO, and WSB University in Gdańsk and has also contributed to adult education and curriculum development in specialized English courses. Her academic work has been supported by grants and recognized with scholarships and awards. In recent years, alongside her academic work, she has transitioned to the corporate world, where she serves as a coach, tutor and team manager.
to a special meeting dedicated to a recently published, original and exceptionally engaging book entitled:
ROMANTYZM w dyskursachpedagogiki kultury.
(publisher: Difin)
The authors of this publication are renowned professors from Polish universities, including the University of Warsaw, the Maria Grzegorzewska University, and the Polish University Abroad (PUNO) in London, as well as Polish-British journalists, students, and teachers.
The book encourages reflection on how the great tradition of Romantic culture is understood today and explores various contemporary ways of engaging with it. During the meeting, we would like to present the fascinating diversity of topics addressed in the volume and invite you to join a discussion inspired by the publication.
We invite you
on Monday, April 14 at 4:00 PM
Lecture Hall, Polish University Abroad (PUNO), POSK, Londyn
Delegation of Researchers from Palacký University in Olomouc to PUNO – Polish University Abroad in London
Project GUARDIAN – Growing online: how to protect our children in the digital world? 📅 March 10 – April 6, 2025 📍 London, United Kingdom
🧭 Overview
Between March 10 and April 6, 2025, the Polish University Abroad (PUNO) in London hosted a research delegation from Palacký University in Olomouc (UP), Czech Republic, within the framework of the MSCA Horizon Europe-funded GUARDIAN project.
This visit was part of the staff exchange programme designed to support collaborative research and knowledge transfer on the subject of sharenting – the digital exposure of children by their parents. The visit focused on the intercultural dimension of children’s rights, privacy, and digital safety, especially in migrant communities.
🏛️ PUNO as Host Institution
PUNO played a crucial role in coordinating, supporting, and facilitating the research activities throughout the visit. The institution provided:
Meeting spaces at Ellipse House and PUNO headquarters,
Access to cultural and educational institutions in London,
Support from experts in pedagogy, psychology, and intercultural studies,
Public engagement opportunities with the Polish diaspora and youth organizations.
PUNO’s infrastructure and commitment ensured the success of this cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration.
✨ Key Outcomes
Draft version of an intercultural questionnaire on children’s digital safety completed.
Initial data collected from educators, parents, and students in Polish migrant contexts.
Strengthened cooperation between Czech and British partners within the GUARDIAN consortium.
Development of dissemination strategies, including school outreach and academic publications.
Enhanced visibility of PUNO as a center for intercultural and diaspora-oriented research
🤝 Partners Involved
Palacký University in Olomouc – Department of Technical Education and Information Technology
Polish University Abroad (PUNO) – Faculty of Humanities Sciences
POSK – Polish Social and Cultural Association
Polish School at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London
🔗 Project Information
GUARDIAN Project Acronym: 101182798 Funding Scheme: MSCA Staff Exchanges (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01) Coordinator: University of Silesia in Katowice Partners: Czech Republic, Poland, Kenya, United Kingdom
🌐 Read more about the project 📩 Contact: Dr. Agnieszka Szajner – Vice-Dean of PUNO, agnieszka.szajner@puno.ac.uk
