Toruń Camerimage 2026 – The First Screenings Are Behind Us

“Pola Negri was an extraordinary artist – charismatic and courageous. Courageous in crossing geographical boundaries when she set out to conquer Hollywood, but above all, in pushing artistic boundaries. She is a worthy patron of this award and a wonderful inspiration to me,” said actress Karolina Gruszka, who received the Pola Negri statuette from Marshal Piotr Całbecki during the opening gala of the Camerimage Festival on 7 November.

The festival opening was also attended by Elżbieta Piniewska, President of the Regional Parliament, and Zbigniew Ostrowski, Vice-Marshal of the Region. Guests attending the gala observed a minute’s silence in tribute to the victims of the tragic events in Kraków.

“Today, we are all Kraków. What happened in the heart of our country, our identity and our culture is a sign of the times we live in. Among the many threats these times bring, we must also confront this one. Everything that happened in Kraków’s Main Market Square could have happened anywhere,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki at the beginning of his address.

Karolina Gruszka is the thirtieth representative of the film industry to be honoured with the Pola Negri Film Award of the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. On Friday (6 November), Andrzej Grabowski also received the statuette.

The first competition screenings took place on Sunday (8 November). The jury, chaired by film editor Joe Walker, is evaluating fifteen productions from around the world in the Main Competition.

As part of the Filmowe Kujawy Pomorze 2026 section, we are presenting productions made with financial support from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Film Fund, operated by the regional government.

The Camerimage Festival runs until 14 November.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

9 November 2026