New Horizons International Film Festival

The New Horizons International Film Festival is Poland's largest annual film event, held in Wrocław each late July. Renowned for its adventurous selection, the festival highlights visionary arthouse, experimental, and auteur films from around the world over ten days.

• Held every year in Wrocław since 2006
• Focuses on avant-garde and experimental cinema
• Features international competitions with Grand Prix and Audience Awards
• Program includes over 280 films from 92 countries in 2026
• Blends film screenings with visual arts and music events

What it is

New Horizons International Film Festival is a vibrant showcase for cinema that dares to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories. Taking place in Wrocław, it is known for its adventurous programming, focusing on films that experiment with form and content. The event draws cinephiles, filmmakers, and artists who are eager to discover works that challenge the conventions of traditional filmmaking. Alongside film screenings, the festival incorporates visual arts and music, creating a rich, interdisciplinary atmosphere. For many, attending New Horizons means engaging with innovative voices and encountering the fresh directions in contemporary cinema.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 2001, originally hosted in Sanok before moving to Cieszyn for several years. In 2006, it settled in Wrocław, where it has continued to grow in reputation and size. Roman Gutek founded the event, with the New Horizons Association overseeing its organization. Over the years, the festival has featured retrospectives of influential filmmakers and has welcomed notable guests from around the globe. Since 2008, it has held a special status for its focus on avant-garde and unconventional cinema. Leadership has changed hands, with Dorota Lech taking on the role of Festival Director in 2026.

How it is celebrated

During the festival, Wrocław comes alive with screenings of hundreds of films from dozens of countries, including a strong showing of Polish productions. The programme is diverse, featuring international competitions, thematic retrospectives, and sections devoted to national cinemas. The main competition, known as the New Horizons International Competition, rewards films that seek bold artistic expression, with prizes like the Grand Prix and the Audience Award. Beyond cinema, the festival extends into the city's galleries through the Artistic Stage, blending film with visual arts exhibitions. Events also include concerts, educational workshops, and industry meetings, offering a space for both discovery and discussion.

Joining in

Visitors to New Horizons can expect a dynamic experience in the heart of Wrocław. Screenings take place across various venues, often accompanied by Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions. The festival is open to all, welcoming newcomers and seasoned film lovers alike. Whether you are there to watch a single film or immerse yourself in the full programme, you will find the city buzzing with creativity and conversation. The main events are centered in Wrocław, making it easy for travelers to take part in the festival’s unique atmosphere.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article New Horizons Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• New Horizons Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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