POLAND: Gdyńska Szkoła Filmowa (Gdynia Film School) has become a cornerstone of cinematic education, known for its rigorous programs, nurturing fresh talent, and fostering international collaborations. At the forefront of these efforts are Managing Director Leszek Kopeć, Programme Director Jerzy Rados, and Aleksandra Biernacka, the Head of International Relations. With a strong background in Polish television and a pivotal role in introducing Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Dekalog series to India, Aleksandra Biernacka has long been a bridge between Polish cinema and the international stage. Today, she leads Gdynia Film School’s global initiatives, focusing on strengthening international ties and expanding the reach of Polish cinema.
In an exclusive interview, Aleksandra Biernacka reflects on the school’s achievements, its role in shaping future filmmakers, and the growing international presence of Polish cinema.
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A Unique Approach to Film Education
When asked what distinguishes Gdynia Film School from other institutions in Poland, Biernacka emphasizes its unique approach to film education. “Gdynia Film School is one of the premier film schools in the north of Poland, offering courses in both fiction and documentary filmmaking,” she begins. “We maintain a relatively small intake—around five to ten students every two years. What’s unique is that every student, regardless of their primary focus, is required to direct both a fiction and a documentary film as part of their diploma.”
This cross-disciplinary training provides students with a more holistic understanding of filmmaking, allowing them to explore various storytelling techniques and cinematic styles. Gdynia Film School aims to nurture well-rounded filmmakers who can adapt to different genres, making them versatile and prepared for the ever-evolving film industry.
Mentorship by Poland’s Cinematic Elite
The faculty at Gdynia Film School is composed of some of Poland’s most respected filmmakers, screenwriters, and directors. Biernacka highlights a few key figures: “Robert Glinski, who is the author of the educational program and the internationally appreciated film director of films like Hi, Tereska (Special Jury Prize at the Karlovy Vary IFF 2001). His films were presented around the world, including India, where he also has been a Jury member at the Goa Film Festival. Grzegorz Łoszewski, an award-winning screenwriter known for his work on The Collector, is another important member of our faculty. His work has been recognized at the Berlinale.”
In addition to established filmmakers, the school also draws on mid-generation directors, such as Sławomir Fabicki (Retrival, Cannes IFF 2006) and Filip Marczewski (Shameless, Civis Media Prize 2013). This diverse faculty provides students with a wealth of experience and different perspectives on the craft of filmmaking, ensuring that their education is both broad and deep.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Given its reputation and small class sizes, getting into Gdynia Film School is highly competitive. The selection process involves three stages, as Biernacka explains: “The first stage is based on the candidate’s previous works—typically short films or creative projects such as paintings, graphics, or even comics, depending on their background. Many applicants come from art schools. The competition is tough, but we are always looking for unique perspectives and talent.”
This multi-stage process ensures that the students admitted to the school are not only skilled but also have a distinct creative vision, which is essential for their development as filmmakers.
Funding and Accessibility
Unlike many film schools around the world, Gdynia Film School is a public institution, funded by the local Pomeranian government and various film bodies. As a result, students do not pay tuition fees. This makes the school accessible to a wider range of students and allows it to attract talented individuals regardless of their financial background.
Notable Alumni and International Recognition
Though relatively young—Gdynia Film School will celebrate its 15th anniversary next year—it has already produced a number of notable alumni who are making their mark in the film industry. “For example, Elżbieta Benkowska’s films were screened at the Cannes Film Festival’s student competition. Another graduate, Lukasz Ostalski, is now a successful director of both feature films and TV series,” says Biernacka. The international recognition of the school’s alumni is a testament to the quality of education and mentorship provided at Gdynia.
This year, the school has four films competing in the short film competition at the Polish Film Festival, three of which are world premieres. One of these films, In Heaven and on Earth, premiered at the Kolkata Children’s Film Festival earlier this year and won the main prize at the Cine Nova Festival in Lisbon.
Expanding Global Partnerships
As Head of International Relations, Biernacka’s role involves building and maintaining partnerships with film institutions and festivals around the world. “We’ve built strong connections with many film bodies, and our projects range from student exchanges to preparing our students for possible international co-productions,” she explains. These international collaborations help Gdynia’s students gain exposure to different filmmaking cultures and practices, preparing them for a global film career.
Collaboration with India and Future Prospects
Given Biernacka’s deep ties with Indian film festivals, Gdynia Film School has enjoyed a close relationship with Indian cinema. “We have been working closely with the Kolkata International Film Festival, the Goa Film Festival, Mumbai FF, Kerala IFF, Chennai IFF, Pune IFF, and Bangalore IFF for years. Our films have been regularly screened there,” says Biernacka. Notably, Andrzej Wajda’s Afterimage opened the Goa Film Festival in 2016.
While there are no concrete film projects with India currently in progress, Biernacka remains optimistic about future possibilities. “I’m hopeful that our ongoing relationships with Indian institutions will lead to exciting collaborations in the future.”
The Importance of Formal Film Education
In today’s world, where technology makes filmmaking more accessible than ever, some might question the relevance of formal film education. However, Biernacka is firm in her belief that it remains crucial. “Yes, anyone can shoot a film with a smartphone, but filmmaking isn’t just about capturing scenes. It’s about storytelling, camera work, directing actors, and understanding the craft,” she says.
At Gdynia, students don’t just learn the technical aspects of filmmaking—they delve into film history, the workings of the film industry, and the importance of collaboration. “It’s a challenging process, but having a solid foundation gives young filmmakers the tools they need to succeed,” she adds.
A Broader Perspective on Film Education in Poland
Gdynia Film School is one of several prestigious film schools in Poland. The most famous is the Łódź Film School, founded in the 1940s and alma mater to legends like Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, and Roman Polański. Another notable school is in Katowice, founded by Kieślowski himself.
Both Łódź and Katowice Film Schools have rigorous selection processes and accept international students. In fact, Biernacka notes that in recent years, Łódź has had more international students than Polish ones, with many programs now being offered in English.
Gdynia Film School is run by extensive efforts of Leszek Kopeć and Jerzy Rados, and Robert Glinski in terms of its curiculum, and under the leadership of Aleksandra Biernacka and a talented faculty, is not only nurturing the next generation of Polish filmmakers but also expanding Poland’s cinematic reach on the global stage. Through its unique approach to film education, international collaborations, and commitment to fostering creative talent, the school is making its mark as a leader in global film education. As it celebrates its 15th anniversary, Gdynia Film School is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of cinema.
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