Joshua Polanski

JOSHUA POLANSKI is a freelance film critic who’s interests include the technical elements of filmmaking & exhibition, slow & digital cinemas, cinematic sexuality, as well as Baltic, East Asian, & Middle Eastern film. His bylines appear regularly with the Boston Hassle, In Review Online, Bay Area Reporter, Offscreen, & DMovies.

Joshua is a Tomatometer approved critic and a member of the Michigan Movie Critics Guild. He is currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He first reviewed films for the Boston Baltic Film Festival and interviewed filmmakers in 2023. His interest in Baltic cinema grew further after attending the 27th Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Tallinn in 2024, positioning him as an emerging expert on Baltic cinema in the U.S.

Joshua hosted the Q&A’s at BBFF ‘25 and returns this year to host post-screening discussions for BBFF ‘26.