Warsaw 2026

Main FIPRESCI Jury, winner Through the Wall
Motivation: “Through the Wall (Przez ścianę) is an original and unconventional love story set behind prison bars during one of the dark chapters of Polish history, under Stalin rule. The striking black and white cinematography is both visually powerful and stylistically distinctive. The film communicates a universal message of hope and human connection that resonates with our contemporary world.”

Young Critics Prize, winner Lover, Not a Fighter
Motivation: “For bravely encapsulating generational angst and the feeling of being young and lost, playfully poking fun at the absurd modernity we live in with innovative and experimental filmmaking, and empathetic performances.”

Founded in 1985 and now celebrating its 42nd edition, the festival, headed by Joanna Szymańska-Szcześniak alongside programming director Bartek Pulcyn, has gained considerable prestige over the years, in particular as a tribute to young world cinema and a showcase of new Polish films. Together with the festival we organize the “FIPRESCI Warsaw Critics Project”, a workshop which offers young and budding critics from Eastern Europe the possibility to experience the atmosphere of a festival and write daily texts under the supervision of experienced colleagues. Our jury of three will select a first film (fiction or documentary) from Central or Eastern Europe, while Young Critics jury will give their own award.