Warsaw film festival turns spotlight on first-time directors – Türkiye Today
Warsaw film festival turns spotlight on first-time directors
Filmmakers and award recipients pose with the Warsaw Grand Prix trophy and certificate during the 2026 Warsaw International Film Festival in Warsaw, Poland, Oct. 18, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Warsaw International Film Festival)
The 42nd Warsaw International Film Festival, held in Poland’s capital, ran from Oct. 9 to 18. The program comprised 190 titles, made up of 132 features and 58 shorts, shown across 330 screenings. Organizers listed 102 of the films as world, international or regional premieres.
Two films opened the festival: “The Debut” by Jesse Eisenberg, starring Julianne Moore, and “Growth of the Soil” by Hans Petter Moland. Both titles premiered at the Toronto and San Sebastian film festivals. “The Smell of Apples” by John Trengove, a selection of Toronto’s Platform section, closed the event.
From left: Warsaw Film Festival director Joanna Szymanska-Szczesniak and program director Bartek Pulcyn pose for a portrait during the Warsaw International Film Festival in Warsaw, Poland, October 2026. (Photo courtesy of Warsaw International Film Festival)
International Competition
The International Competition included 15 films vying for the Warsaw Grand Prix, which carries a prize of 120,000 Polish zloty (approximately $31,700) funded by the Mayor of Warsaw. The jury also presents 10,000 Polish zloty for Best Director and 5,000 Polish zloty for a Special Jury Award.
European titles in the section included “What Belongs to Others” by Grzegorz Debowski, “February, Seven Days” by Tatjana Moutchnik, “The Last Goodbye” by Koldo Almandoz, “Conversation With the Sea” by Muayad Alayan and the black comedy “Bloody Men” by Jens Sjogren.
Several films had world premieres in the section. “Through the Wall” by Maciej Sobieszczanski is inspired by the true story of two political prisoners who fell in love while communicating in Morse code through a prison wall. “The Child” by Linda Olte follows a former swimmer facing infertility. “Doubt” by Thierry Besseling centers on a future priest who questions his vocation after developing feelings for a young man.
Czech-born director Vaclav Marhoul presented the US-produced “Confession,” set in Stalinist Moscow and starring Rob Lowe, James Franco, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Nick Nolte and Emile Hirsch. Japan’s “Mentor” by Keisuke Yoshida and Iran’s “The Daughter of Lady Fairy” by Alireza Motamedi also premiered.
Award recipients pose with their certificates during the Warsaw Industry Days 2026 awards ceremony in Warsaw, Poland, October 2026. (Photo courtesy of Warsaw International Film Festival)
Debut features, documentaries and shorts
The 1-2 Competition, dedicated to first and second features, also listed 15 titles. Among them were “Hold Onto Me” by Myrsini Aristidou, a winner of the Sundance Audience Award, and “Lover, Not a Fighter” by Martina Buchelova, which won the Proxima Grand Prix at Karlovy Vary. The section’s winner receives PLN 10,000.
World premieres in the section included “Frieda” by Felix Hassenfratz, about an 11-year-old girl who learns her parents hid the existence of a sister from her, and “The Boatman” by Simao Cayatte, about a man released after 16 years in prison who tries to buy his daughter a piano. “The Last Day” by Rachel Rose stars Alicia Vikander.
The Documentary Competition also had 15 titles, including “Meanwhile in Namibia” by Jonas Spriestersbach and “Yugo Goes to America” by Filip Grujic and Aleksa Borkovic. Its winner receives 5,000 zloty. The Short Film Competition comprised 26 titles in four programs, and the festival retains its Academy Award-qualifying status.
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Centerpieces and industry events
Three films were named Centerpieces: “Ink” by Danny Boyle, “The Uprising” by Paul Greengrass and “The Spiral” by Paolo Strippoli. Other sections included Confrontations, Cinema in the Clouds, Animus. Cinema of Values and Special Screenings.
The festival also featured meetings with filmmakers and industry events under the Warsaw Industry Days banner.
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