Autor: Natalia Spychalska
OTHER PROJECTS9-11 October 2026 | Gdynia Film Centre and partner venues across Gdynia
How will cinema evolve in the decades ahead? What role can cities play in supporting creativity, innovation and international collaboration in film? And how can residents become part of the story?
These questions will be at the heart of Gdynia City Of Film 2026: A Wave Carrying Us into the Future, a three-day film event organised by the City of Gdynia in cooperation with the Gdynia Film Centre, bringing together local audiences, young people, film professionals and representatives of UNESCO Creative Cities of Film.
As Gdynia celebrates its centenary, the event will highlight both the city’s film heritage and its future as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). International guests from UNESCO Creative Cities of Film will join local partners for screenings, discussions, networking activities and public events dedicated to the future of cinema.
9 October 2026
The opening day will focus on young people and the next generation of film professionals. Students from Gdynia’s secondary schools will have the opportunity to meet film industry representatives and learn about career paths and emerging trends in the audiovisual sector.
The afternoon programme will welcome international guests from UNESCO Creative Cities of Film, followed by a public discussion exploring the future of the creative economy, global cooperation and the role of film within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
10 October 2026
A special film showcase will present selected productions and film projects from UNESCO Creative Cities of Film around the world. Audiences will be invited to discover stories, filmmakers and creative initiatives connected with partner cities from the international network. The screenings will take place at the Gdynia Film Centre throughout the day.
At the same time, international delegates and representatives of the local audiovisual sector will take part in meetings and networking activities designed to foster future cooperation and creative partnerships.
10-11 October 2026
Throughout the weekend, Gdynia will host meetings between representatives of UNESCO’s film cluster and local film professionals, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking and the development of future international projects.
10-11 October 2026
One of the highlights of our project will be a unique filmmaking experience created especially for residents.
Under the title“Become the Hero of the Film”, participants will step onto a real film set and create their own short productions under the guidance of professional filmmakers. Working in small groups, they will learn the basics of acting, filmmaking and visual storytelling while appearing on screen themselves.
The two-day workshop programme will culminate in the creation of original short films featuring Gdynia residents as the main characters. Using professional equipment and AI-assisted visual effects, participants will help bring imaginative stories to life, inspired by Gdynia, its maritime spirit and its future.
The workshops are designed for both younger and adult participants and will be available through advance registration. Places will be limited.
Further information about registration will be announced soon.
“Gdynia City Of Film 2026” forms part of the city’s centenary celebrations and reflects Gdynia’s commitment to international cooperation, creative innovation and film education. Through dialogue, screenings, hands-on workshops and cultural exchange, the event aims to strengthen connections between local communities and the global network of UNESCO Creative Cities of Film.
Join us this October and discover how a creative city can help shape the future of cinema.
For further information about the event, international participation, film submissions or workshop registration, please contact:
Natalia Spychalska
Senior Specialist
Culture Department
Gdynia City Hall
✉️ natalia.spychalska@gdynia.pl
Gdynia City Hall
Aleja Marszałka Piłsudskiego 52/54
81-382 Gdynia, Poland
From April 14 to 16, 2025, Gdynia became a hub for cinematic reflection and dialogue during the Gdynia Film Criticism Days – a unique event that combined film screenings with in-depth discussions led by some of Poland’s most respected film critics and cultural commentators.
From June 30 to August 12, 2025, film lovers in Gdynia will once again gather on the shores of Orłowo Beach for the 15th edition of the Orłowo Summer Cinema – Poland’s only open-air film series set directly on the sand.
The list of films and radio documentaries selected for the main competitions of the 17th NNW International Film Festival in Gdynia has now been published. This year’s edition of the Festival will take place from 2 to 5 October, with all events hosted in Gdynia.
