“Innovative Local Government” Award for the Kujawy Pomorze Film Fund
The Kujawy Pomorze Film Fund won 3rd place in the “Innovative Local Government” competition in the voivodeship category. The Fund was recognized for combining cultural development with tangible support for the regional economy. It is an example of an innovative operating model that integrates culture with social and economic development. In this year’s edition of the competition, organized by the PAP Local Government Service, 147 projects competed across six categories. The jury primarily assessed measurable and tangible results of initiatives that bring visible improvements to the functioning of local communities.
The Kujawy Pomorze Film Fund stands out among other regional film funds thanks to its innovative approach to supporting the audiovisual industry. Above all, it combines cultural development with real support for the regional economy. The Fund does not limit itself solely to financing film productions; instead, it creates a cooperation model that engages local SMEs, creative industries, and cultural institutions. By requiring projects to be connected with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region both in terms of location and cooperation with regional entities, the Fund directly contributes to the development of the local service market and the promotion of the region.
An important element of the Fund’s activities is supporting productions with strong artistic and international potential. Projects such as “The Good House,” “Chopin, Chopin!” and “Good Boy” demonstrate that it is possible to combine local resources and stories with the global film circuit.
Another noteworthy aspect is the financing model based on full respect for creators’ independence. The Fund provides financial support for film productions and events while refraining from interfering in the artistic process. It does not become a co-producer or co-owner of projects, leaving narrative and production decisions entirely to the creators. This solution strengthens creative freedom and builds trust within the film community.
The Fund’s innovative nature is also reflected in its new approach to regional promotion. The developing Kujawsko-Pomorskie Film Trail makes use of the phenomenon of set-jetting, or tourism inspired by locations known from films. In this way, audiovisual productions become a tool for long-term tourism promotion and regional brand-building. It is a modern combination of culture, place marketing, and film tourism.
The Fund also creates a broad ecosystem supporting the development of the creative industries. In addition to financing films, it is involved in film education, supports festivals, thematic publications, and access to modern audiovisual technologies. As a result, not only filmmakers benefit from its activities, but also entrepreneurs, event organizers, and cultural audiences.
An important aspect of the Fund’s activities is its multidimensional social impact. The financed projects not only promote the region but also address important social issues and stimulate public debate. Productions such as “The Good House” show that film can simultaneously have cultural, social, and economic influence. Such a comprehensive approach is rarely seen in traditional film funds.
The Fund’s modern character is further emphasized by its use of digital innovation. Its promotional activities include the use of artificial intelligence in the form of a film chatbot, which facilitates access to information about productions, festivals, and the region’s film routes. The tool helps tourists and residents discover film-related locations in Kujawy and Pomorze, while also serving educational and promotional purposes.
An additional distinguishing feature of the Fund is the creation of a proactive system for supporting creators through the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Poli Negri Film Award. This initiative goes beyond traditional mechanisms of recognizing the film industry and strengthens the region’s prestige as a modern patron of culture and cinema.
The Kujawy Pomorze Film Fund demonstrates that regional support for the creative industries can simultaneously serve as a tool for economic development, tourism promotion, education, and building a modern image of the region.
Innovative Local Government
The “Innovative Local Government” competition has been organized by the PAP Local Government Service since 2020. Its aim is to promote modern and creative solutions implemented by local government units. The competition recognizes projects distinguished by innovation, effectiveness, and real impact on improving residents’ quality of life and the functioning of local government administration. Initiatives submitted to the competition cover various areas, including digitalization, environmental protection, culture, education, social policy, and entrepreneurship development. The key evaluation criterion is the originality of the solutions applied and their effectiveness. For several years, the competition has served as a platform for exchanging good practices and has inspired local governments across Poland to implement innovative initiatives.
Promotion Department
Dariusz Czołgowski and Paweł Jankowski
29 May 2026