Further nominations for productions by our Film Fund
For four decades, the Tarnów Film Award – Festival of Polish Feature Films has been held. Its history dates back to 1987, and its prestige makes it one of the most important showcases of Polish cinema, alongside the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia. As many as three films supported by the Kujawy Pomorze Film Fund will take part in the main competition.
In the jubilee 40th edition of the Tarnów Film Award, 14 productions will compete for the “Maszkaron” statuette. Three films received support from the Kujawy Pomorze Film Fund: “Chopin, Chopin!” directed by Michał Kwieciński, “A Good Boy” by Jan Komasa, and “The Good House” by Wojciech Smarzowski. The competition will be strong, with entries including films such as “Franz Kafka” by Agnieszka Holland, “Altar Boys” by Piotr Domalewski, “The Duel” by Łukasz Palkowski, and “Vinci 2” by Juliusz Machulski.
The festival was founded on the initiative of members of the “Oscar” Film Discussion Club operating at the Cultural Centre of the Nitrogen Works in Tarnów-Mościce. From the beginning, its mission has been to promote Polish cinematography and create a space for meetings between filmmakers and audiences. Over time, the Tarnów Film Award has evolved into an event of nationwide importance, attracting directors, actors, producers, film critics, and cinema enthusiasts from across the country. Today, the event is organized by the Tarnów Cultural Centre.
The heart of the festival remains the Marzenie Cinema—one of the oldest operating cinemas in Poland. Open-air screenings, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and author meetings make the entire city come alive with film. A distinctive feature of the Tarnów festival is the strong involvement of audiences. Its intimate character allows viewers to meet artists directly.
The main competition remains the most important part of the program, presenting the most interesting Polish productions of recent months. Both established creators and debutants compete for awards. Winners receive the “Maszkaron” statuette, while additional prizes are awarded by the audience, a youth jury, and a children’s jury.
As part of the 40th Tarnów Film Award, the following prizes will be granted in the Main Competition: the Grand Prix TNF in the form of the “Tarnów Film Award” statuette – 20,000 złoty; the Audience Award “Publika” – 5,000 złoty; and the Youth Jury Award “Kamerzysta” – 5,000 złoty. Additional prizes include the Gemini Park Tarnów Special Award – 5,000 złoty, the MGGP S.A. Special Award – 5,000 złoty, and, for the second time in the festival’s history, a Special Award for a debut filmmaker – 5,000 złoty, funded by the Tarnów Cultural Centre and the Polish Filmmakers Association.
The 40th Tarnów Film Award – Festival of Polish Feature Films will take place from 22 to 30 May 2016.
Department of Promotion
Paweł Jankowski
24 April 2026