About Polish Film Institute

The Polish Film Institute (PISF) is the newest film institute in Europe, established in 2005 in accordance with a new cinematography law passed by the Polish Parliament. It is set up similar to the mechanisms of support for the film industries in many other countries of Europe.

A declaration by the Council of Film Institutes, adopted in London in 2003, also determines the tasks of the Polish Film Institute: “State Film Institutes in Europe exist to support national and European film cultures and industries. Their role is to intervene in those countries in which the production and distribution of European films requires support.”

Poland has a long tradition of quality filmmaking, marked by names such as Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Zanussi and Krzysztof Kieslowski; directors working abroad and contributing to the achievements of the world cinema such as Roman Polanski and Agnieszka Holland; and cinematographers such as Janusz Kaminski and Slawomir Idziak, whose work is recognized and sought after the world over. Their accomplishments set standards of excellence that are being followed by the new generation of Polish filmmakers. The Polish Film Institute exists to help them gain international recognition for their films, and to help Polish cinema restore and maintain its traditional position in the world.

The Institute's principal task is to provide the Polish film industry with a modern mechanism of support – from the development of film projects, through production, to promotion, distribution and circulation of Polish and European films. We support films from concept to screening, with particular emphasis on international co-productions.

The Polish Film Institute wants to draw Polish viewers back into theatres to watch Polish films and, at the same time, to make them worthwhile to watch and accessible to international audiences, particularly in Europe.

The Institute's tasks, specified in the Act on Cinematography, are:

• To create conditions for the development of Polish film production and international co-production;
• To inspire and support the development of all types of Polish film creativity, in particular artistic films, including the development of film projects and the production and distribution of such films;
• To support activities aimed at creating conditions for common access to the heritage of Polish, European and world film art;
• To support film debuts and the artistic development of young filmmakers;
• The promote Polish film internationally;
• To subsidise enterprises in developing film projects, film production, distribution and dissemination of films, and in providing assistance and expert services to organs of public administration;
• To support the upkeep of film archives;
• To support the development of independent Polish filmmaking and production, in particular small and medium sized enterprises operating in the cinematographic sector.

The Polish Film Institute welcomes all foreign partners - producers, distributors and filmmakers alike – interested in all forms of collaboration with the Polish film industry. We will provide you with all necessary information and guidance regarding Poland, its film potential, legal regulations and suitable locations, and will help you find film professionals with whom to collaborate as well as potential partners for co-productions.

Edited by Patricia Koza