Festival highlights new talent and international collaboration

Joanna Szymańska-Szcześniak, director general of the Warsaw International Film Festival (WIFF), emphasized the event’s focus on discovering emerging filmmakers and building global partnerships. The 42nd edition of the festival, which took place from October 9 to 18, showcased 190 films across 330 screenings, with 102 of them being world, international, or regional premieres.

Festival expands beyond its ten-day program

Szymańska-Szcześniak noted that the festival’s future depends on its connections with the local public, international filmmakers, and industry partners, beyond the scope of its official ten-day schedule. The event introduced new initiatives, such as WIFF STOPS, which offers cinema screenings 200 meters above the city, and a special film music concert designed to engage Warsaw residents in innovative ways.

Organizers highlight dedication and strategic planning

Szymańska-Szcześniak expressed pride in the festival’s growth and the team’s commitment to its mission. She emphasized that organizing the event requires ongoing preparation and strategic planning, and that maintaining a balance between international ambitions and the festival’s role in Warsaw is essential.

Future goals include expanding audience and formats

Looking ahead, Szymańska-Szcześniak aims to grow the festival’s audience, develop new event formats, and increase its visibility across Warsaw. She also stressed the importance of ensuring the festival’s long-term stability, maintaining its reputation, and adapting to a constantly evolving global landscape.