Polish Public Television (Telewizja Polska) has launched the “Ziemia obiecana” competition for students of public film and art schools. This initiative aims to support young filmmakers and promote their creativity. Each finalist project will receive a budget of 250,000 PLN from Telewizja Polska to complete their film, with a total prize pool exceeding 3 million PLN. Submissions are open starting October 1, 2024. The Wajda Film Centre, the initiator of the 2026 Andrzej Wajda Year, is a key partner in the competition.
Tomasz Sygut, General Director of Telewizja Polska, on the Contest:
“As Polish Public Television, we have contributed significantly to the development of Polish cinematography, producing many iconic films over the years. Supporting young creators is an essential part of our mission as a public broadcaster. The ‘Ziemia obiecana’ competition was created to help talented film students take their first steps in filmmaking by providing concrete support. We hope this initiative will enrich Polish cinema with new outstanding directors, screenwriters, and producers while delighting audiences with their works.”
Key Details of the Competition:
- Who Can Apply: Teams of three (producer, director, and screenwriter) who are students at public film or art schools.
- Submission Requirements: Teams must submit a complete screenplay along with a synopsis or treatment for a short film (20–40 minutes).
- Timeline:
- Stage 1: From October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, 24 projects will be selected.
- Stage 2: Between June 1 and June 30, 2025, teams will refine their projects with additional materials, and 12 finalists will be chosen.
- Stage 3: Finalists will produce their films, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2025.
The winning film will be announced on January 31, 2026, coinciding with Andrzej Wajda’s 100th birth anniversary and 10th death anniversary. The winners will receive promotional and distribution support from Telewizja Polska. Additionally, a 300,000 PLN prize will be awarded to the university attended by the creators of the winning project.
Joanna Rożen-Wojciechowska, Director of the Wajda Film Centre, on the Importance of the Competition:
“The ‘Ziemia obiecana’ contest is a significant event for the upcoming Andrzej Wajda Year. Public television plays a key role in sharing Wajda’s films and legacy. We joined as a partner because we believe that nurturing young directors is essential for passing on cultural values to future generations, ensuring that audiences return to the cinema.”For more details and competition rules, visit ziemiaobiecana.tvp.pl.
