Film in Kujawy and Pomorze: Toruń and Star-Studded Cast in New HBO Series

The new HBO series “Zmora” is inspired by a crime novel by Toruń-born writer Robert Małecki. The lead role is played by Magdalena Cielecka, with Piotr Głowacki and Łukasz Simlat among the other stars appearing on screen.

“Zmora” is described as “a dark story about secrets that have survived for decades and a past that refuses to be forgotten.” The series is set in Toruń, both in the present day and in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Controversial journalist Kama Kossowska returns to her hometown of Toruń. Her return sets off a flood of memories and unanswered questions that have lingered for years,” reads the official synopsis. “When Commissioner Tomasz Korcz reopens the case of Piotrek, Kama’s childhood friend who went missing, she becomes involved in the investigation. With every new lead, the line between past and present begins to blur, while long-buried secrets demand to be brought to light.”

Magdalena Cielecka takes the lead, joined by an impressive cast including Piotr Żurawski, Łukasz Simlat, Toruń-born Piotr Głowacki, Aleksander Krupa, Maria Pakulnis, Katarzyna Bujakiewicz, Piotr Jankowski, Dorota Kolak, Robert Gulaczyk, Anna Mrozowska, Monika Pikuła, Anouk Matejka and Waldemar Kownacki. The established stars are joined by young actors Oliwia Gołębiowska, Eryk Wróbel and Olgierd Blecharz. Michalina Łabacz and Sławomira Łozińska will also make guest appearances.

It is worth recalling that Łukasz Simlat is a recipient of the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Poli Negri Film Award. He received the honour in early July, at the closing of the 24th Tofifest International Film Festival. The actor already has fond memories of the festival: in 2020, he left Toruń with the Golden Angel Award for artistic nonconformity.

“He is a versatile, enigmatic and remarkably modest actor,” says Marshal Piotr Całbecki. “He is an artist who not only continues to shape contemporary Polish cinema, but has also made a significant contribution to filmmaking in our region, giving an unforgettable performance in the film Seasons.”

Other recipients of the Marshal’s Film Award

Toruń-born Piotr Głowacki has also appeared in several productions made with the support of the Kujawy and Pomorze Film Fund, including Gingerbread Heart, Murder at the Philharmonic and The Magical Fern Flower, which is due to premiere later this year.

“Zmora” will premiere on HBO Max this autumn. The series is an adaptation of a 2021 novel by Toruń writer Robert Małecki, who is also the initiator of the Crime Debut of the Year competition for the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Literary Award.

The screenplay was written by Kacper Wysocki and Adam Guziński. The series is directed by Łukasz Jaworski, with cinematography by Maciej Sobieraj.

Dariusz Czołgowski
Promotion Department

25 August 2026