Several representatives of the KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival attended the latest edition of the renowned Polish Film Festival in Gdynia this September. Below, Barbara Bernhardt, KF Vice President, KF Washington Center Director, KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival Executive Director, shares her reflections on the experience.

The 51st Polish Film Festival in Gdynia has drawn to a close, leaving audiences and critics inspired by a week filled with vibrant art, great performances, and powerful cinematic vision. Under late-summer sunshine, the coastal city delivered a dynamic, electrifying atmosphere throughout the event. With an extraordinary turnout of international guests, festival programmers, and a stellar delegation representing Polish cinema abroad, Gdynia firmly solidified its position as a vital cultural crossroads.

At the event, I was accompanied by some of the members of the Kosciuszko Foundation Washington DC Polish Film Festival’s board, and for our team, the trip was an extraordinary success. We made great connections with leading filmmakers, and we already have a strong lineup of new films to present at our festival in April 2027.

The red carpet rolled out for cherished household names. Renowned guests included directors Paweł Pawlikowski, Jan Holoubek, Jan Komasa, and Piotr Domalewski, who brought high-profile projects to the competition, while iconic performers—Robert Więckiewicz, Andrzej Seweryn, Agata Kulesza, and Maria Dębska—graced the festival with their talent and charisma. Attendees were also treated to insightful appearances by filmmakers such as Agnieszka Holland and the chair of this year’s jury, Krzysztof Zanussi.

This year’s edition showcased an impressive collection of films, featuring sharp directing, wonderful ensemble casting, and virtuosity across the board. Polish actors performed wonders on screen, demonstrating the depth, versatility, and emotional resonance of the nation's talent pool.

Highlights from the main competition selection:

·       Fatherland (Ojczyzna): Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, this richly textured period piece captured the profound longing and weight of history. Pawlikowski’s artistic eye earned him the Best Director award for crafting a visually arresting and memorable work.

·       A Good Boy (Dobry chłopiec): Jan Komasa’s slick, captivating psychological drama enthralled audiences and took home the Audience Award, along with honors for Best Screenplay (Bartek Bartosik and Naqqash Khalid) and Best Leading Actor for Anson Boon.

·       Our Revolution (Nasza rewolucja): Directed by Piotr Domalewski, this intimate historical chronicle boasted magnificent, grounded performances—highlighted by Jacek Koman, who was awarded Best Supporting Actor.

·       Wild, Wild East (Dziki, dziki wschód): Jan Holoubek’s ambitious wartime story, set against the chaotic backdrop of the post-WWII borderlands, cleverly weaves history with the conventions of a classic Western. Holoubek combines sweeping landscapes, high-stakes tension, and a gritty cinematic style to create an immersive cinematic experience, proving that Polish historical drama can be both deeply meaningful and wildly entertaining.

• A standout highlight of the festival was Łukasz Ronduda’s captivating feature, Tell Me What You Feel (Powiedz mi, co czujesz), which earned the prestigious Silver Lions award. Exploring themes of vulnerable masculinity, art, and modern emotional intimacy, the film deeply resonated with juries and audiences alike. Its success was further highlighted by rising star Jan Sałasiński, who earned the award for Best Acting Debut, solidifying the film as one of the most powerful and memorable additions to this year's competition slate.

·       Through the Wall (Przez ścianę): The coveted Golden Lions for Best Film went to Maciej Sobieszczański’s remarkable feature. A moving tale of love and perseverance behind prison bars during the communist era, the film captivated viewers with its raw emotional power and striking cinematography by Jolanta Dylewska.

What stood out to me most prominently was the palpable, vibrant energy of a new generation. Polish cinema is enthusiastically throwing open its doors to fresh voices, with half of the competition slate comprising debuts and young artists directing, writing, and starring in 50% of the features. This exciting evolution was reflected in the theater seats, as more than half of the festival attendees were part of a dynamic, younger demographic eager for innovative storytelling.

The 51st Gdynia Film Festival proved beyond doubt that Poland possesses a treasure trove of world-class directorial talent, extraordinary actors, and an unstoppable wave of energetic young creators. With such immense skill and creative passion driving the industry forward, the future of Polish cinema has never looked brighter. Inspired and equipped with fresh energy, we look forward to bringing selected films to Washington, DC, and presenting them on the big screen during the Kosciuszko Foundation's Polish Film Festival on April 1-4, 2027.