News

Camerimage Festival 2024 – Summary Press Conference, photo by Mikołaj Kuras for UMWKP
Camerimage, podsumowanie festiwalu 2024 – konferencja prasowa, fot. Mikołaj Kuras dla UMWKP

Camerimage Festival – A Story of the Most Important Matters

Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski participated in today’s (March 18) press conference summarizing the 32nd edition of the International Film Festival Camerimage. This annual event attracts renowned filmmakers and crowds of cinema enthusiasts from all over the world to Toruń and the region, strengthening Kujawsko-Pomorskie’s recognition on the global stage. For years, the regional self-government has been the festival’s main partner and co-host, proudly supporting it alongside other key cultural events.

 

“In today’s changing world—marked by war, tensions, and polarization—Camerimage takes on a new dimension. It becomes a space where people meet to discuss crucial matters: culture and the fundamental values of civilization. This is the festival’s immense strength. I am deeply impressed by what Camerimage can contribute to human identity and condition. (…) Camerimage is also a clear example of how culture fosters socio-economic development. And for that, I am truly grateful—it is an almost perfect model,” said Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski in his speech. He added that for Kujawsko-Pomorskie, which builds its brand partly around film, the festival is an essential complement to many regional initiatives in this field.

 

Camerimage has built a strong reputation by highlighting the best, most ambitious, and innovative aspects of cinematic art. The 32nd edition continued this tradition. Among the pre-premiere screenings were films acclaimed by both critics and audiences, including The Brutalist, The Conclave, Emilia Perez, and The Girl with the Needle. One of the festival’s star guests was the renowned actress Cate Blanchett, who not only chaired the festival’s main jury but also represented Manifesto, the famous video installation by German artist Julian Rosenfeldt, exhibited at the Toruń Center of Contemporary Art. As always, the festival audience had the opportunity to engage with both mainstream productions and lesser-known, niche cinematographies.

 

A significant achievement was the number of participants, particularly young filmmakers, representing a wide range of countries. The festival attracted 4,600 attendees from 75 European countries, as well as from China, South Africa, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Yemen, and Honduras.

 

The festival is organized by the Tumult Foundation. Today’s press conference, held at the foundation’s headquarters, was also attended by Toruń’s Vice-Mayor Adam Szponka, as well as the festival’s director and Tumult’s president, Marek Żydowicz.

 

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

March 18, 2025