On 24 October, a film devoted to one of the most distinctive figures in Polish sport – Artur Szpilka – arrives in cinemas. The documentary “Szpilka” tells the story of both the private and the professional life of the boxer. Of spectacular highs and painful falls, of the inner struggles that took their toll on his career and shaped him as a man. Today we present the film’s trailer.

From thug to star

Artur Szpilka began fighting as a teenager – both on the streets and in the ring. As a member of a Kraków hooligan gang, he did not shy away from run-ins with the law or clashes with fanatics of rival football clubs. At the age of 19 he began his professional boxing career, and his talent was spotted by none other than Mike Tyson, who hailed Szpilka as a future world champion… What determined his successes and his failures?

“Szpilka” is an emotionally charged portrait of an athlete whose career stirred enormous emotions and international interest. Among other things, the film goes behind the scenes of his heavyweight world-title fight against Deontay Wilder. A fight that earned a permanent place in boxing history. But the documentary directed by Filip Dzierżawski is much more than a story about Szpilka’s professional achievements.  It is the story of his personal struggles – a fight against the pressure of those around him and, above all, against himself. Thanks to archival footage, previously unreleased material and the accounts of those close to him as well as experts, viewers are given the picture of a man for whom sport became a way of life – by turns giving him wings and dragging him to the bottom.

– I never planned this film – I let Filip tell my story in his own way. Sport was my way of getting through hard times and facing my own demons. I wanted viewers to see me as I really am – the Szpilka from the ring and the man, with all his history and emotions – says Artur Szpilka.

“Szpilka” is a film made not only with boxing and MMA fans in mind, but also for viewers looking for authentic, inspiring stories about strength of character and determination.

On 24 September, tickets go on sale on the Helios cinema website for the film’s premiere, with the participation of Artur Szpilka, Kamila Wybrańczyk and invited guests, which will take place on 15 October.

The film was written and directed by Filip Dzierżawski, with cinematography by Adam Palenta. The documentary was produced by Justyna Kluczewska and Maciej Ostatek – Zespół Filmowy Raban, and distribution is handled by NEXT FILM.

SZPILKA
Documentary
Theatrical release: 24.10.2025

Written and directed by: Filip Dzierżawski
Cinematography: Adam Palenta
Editing: Andrzej Dzierżawski
Production: Zespół Filmowy Raban (Maciej Ostatek, Justyna Kluczewska)
Distribution: Next Film