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Joanna Łapińska, the artistic director of the Gdynia Film Festival, expresses her excitement about the evolving landscape of Polish cinema. “It has been a time of diversity in Polish cinema; I’m particularly pleased with the expressive voices of young filmmakers,” she shares.

As the festival gears up for its landmark 50th edition from September 22-27, 2025, it is set to showcase a variety of special programs and nationwide initiatives under the banner of the “50 on 50” project. This celebration not only highlights the festival’s significance as a platform for Polish cinema but also emphasizes its role in fostering international collaboration.

In an exclusive interview, Łapińska discusses the jubilee exhibition, a commemorative album, and the Perspectives Competition. She reflects on how Gdynia is enhancing its position as both a national hub and an international showcase for filmmakers.

Gdynia Film Festival is celebrating its 50th edition this year. How are you approaching this anniversary, and what special programs or curatorial choices will mark the occasion?

Joanna Łapińska: This anniversary is a significant moment for us, which is why we have planned a wide range of events to commemorate it. We aim to take our audience on a journey through the past five decades, bringing them closer to the festival’s history. To achieve this, we have prepared a jubilee exhibition featuring 12 modules that highlight important moments, key figures, films, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Additionally, a non-chronological narrative will be presented in our jubilee album, which recounts the festival’s story through 50 entries. Most importantly, we will celebrate with a large group of filmmakers, friends of the festival, and the film community. This year, we want to emphasize that the festival is about connections, conversations, and people.

Moreover, we are celebrating the festival’s anniversary throughout the year with our “50 on 50” project, which runs from March to December in nearly 60 cinemas across Poland, including both major cities and small towns. Each venue will host events related to the festival’s 50th anniversary, creating a diverse, multi-voiced narrative about the festival and Polish cinema.

As you enter your third year as artistic director, how have you seen Polish cinema evolve thematically and structurally, and what directions do you believe it should take?

It has been a time of remarkable diversity in Polish cinema—stylistically, thematically, and generationally. I am particularly impressed by the vibrant voices of young filmmakers, both in feature and short fiction films, and their strong representation in our festival program. This period has also seen a record number of submissions for our competitive sections, which is why I felt it was essential to introduce a second competition for feature films to complement the main program. The Perspectives Competition returns for its second edition, allowing us to delve deeper into the most intriguing phenomena and the overall state of Polish cinema.

Another critical aspect that arises during each edition is the strong connection between Polish and international cinema—an element vital for the growth of our industry. Strengthening these international ties is crucial for national film industries.

How is Gdynia fostering international collaborations and positioning Polish cinema within the broader European and global context?

We are consistently and thoughtfully building robust international partnerships. This year, we are once again collaborating with the European Film Academy, which will be reflected in both our film program and industry activities. The CICAE jury will also be present at the festival. Additionally, we are preparing a special event with FIPRESCI—at the festival’s opening gala, Jerzy Skolimowski will receive the jubilee FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award, commemorating their 100th anniversary. For the first time, we are also partnering with FestivalScope, enhancing the international perspective within the Gdynia Industry program.

The industry program has become an increasingly strategic component of the festival. What new initiatives or highlights are you introducing this year to support filmmakers and industry professionals?

The Gdynia Industry is undoubtedly the driving force of the festival. We have curated a strong program of discussion panels addressing pressing industry issues—from financing and audience engagement post-theatrical release to accessibility challenges. We are also dedicating significant space to projects for emerging filmmakers, including Gdynia Campus, a full-day workshop for film school students, and new mentoring programs featuring one-on-one meetings with experienced professionals, branded as Gdynia Pro.

Looking beyond the 50th edition, what is your long-term vision for Gdynia as a platform for Polish cinema, and how do you see its role in shaping national film culture and enhancing international visibility?

I’m pleased to discuss this at a time when the festival is thriving. It’s a great moment to highlight the achievements of the past three years. The event has become a brand capable of making an impact beyond the festival dates, both across Poland and on the international stage. I see potential in increasing the presence of the foreign industry at the festival, as Gdynia can serve as a vital platform for showcasing Polish cinema. Over the last three years, we have focused on building a festival that is attentive and responsive to the world around it, and I hope it continues to be so.

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