The film ‘Skrzat. A New Beginning’, which will debut on cinema screens throughout Poland on 19 September, has been granted honorary patronage by the Ombudsman for Children. This unique distinction underlines the importance of the values of the production – dialogue, respect and sensitivity to the needs of children.

– ‘Gnome. A New Beginning’ is a touching story about how the strength of close relationships and openness to emotions help children get through difficult times, especially at such a challenging time as bereavement. The film shows that closeness and mutual support are extremely important values in our lives, while at the same time sensitising young viewers to the needs of others and teaching them respect for the world around us,” says Children’s Ombudsman Monika Horna-Cieślak.

A FILM EVERY PARENT SHOULD SEE

According to the study ‘Quality of education in Poland’ conducted by the educational platform Novakid, as many as 49% of parents in Poland fear that their child will become a victim of peer violence at school and will not know where to seek support. The film ‘Skrzat. A New Beginning’ addresses these topics in a way that is close to both children and their parents, becoming a natural starting point for conversations about emotions.

Psychologist and psychotraumatologist Karolina Tuchalska-Siermińska points out that peer violence often develops quietly, away from the eyes of adults, undermining a child’s sense of worth and security:

– It is these simple conversations that form the foundation on which the trust needed in more serious situations can be built. A pretext for such a preventive conversation can also be to watch a film together that deals with emotions and peer relationships – such as “Gnome. A new beginning’. Talking about the characters’ behaviour, what they found difficult and what they found supportive, we can ask the child: “What does this look like in your classroom?”, “What would you do_if_you_were_in_this_character’s_place?”, “Did you happen to see something similar?”. It’s not a conversation “because something happens”, but a shared reflection that develops sensitivity and openness.

FILM EDUCATION

The film ‘Gnome. A New Beginning’ is also an excellent excuse to use the potential of film education. A package of materials is available for teachers, which includes an educational brochure, worksheets with tasks dealing with the topic of finding oneself in a new peer group, daring to be oneself and offline activities, and a lesson plan with the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Education: “Everyone has a place – how to foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.”

Educational material is available here.

WHAT IS THE FILM ABOUT?

Eleven-year-old Hania has to find herself in a completely new environment after moving to another town. She has no friends and her belief in the existence of gnomes exposes her to ridicule from her peers. When the girls in her class take away her locket – a priceless family heirloom – Hania decides to get it back at all costs. To do so, she must prove that gnomes really exist. In this adventurous mission, she is helped by Michal, the school outsider and young inventor. It is thanks to his support that Hania will open up to the world again and understand that real magic is hidden in friendship.

‘Skrzat. A New Beginning’ is an immersive Polish adventure film that will touch the hearts and spark the imagination of children and adults.

ESTABLISHED ACTORS AND RISING STARS

‘Skrzat. A New Beginning” is a project of many debuts – Krzysztof Komander stood behind the camera of a full-length feature film for the first time. It is also the first time that Amelia Golda, who plays the main character, has appeared on the big screen, whose naturalness and innate talent have delighted reviewers. The film also proved a completely new challenge for Arkadiusz Jakubik, who had never before appeared in a family film. The cast also included Maksymilian Zielinski, Anna Smołowik, Wojciech Solarz and Agata Turkot. Borys Szyc has also been cast in a special role for the project.

PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Although ‘Gnome. A New Beginning’ will only be released on 19 September, it has already managed to win the hearts of audiences. The international premiere of the film took place during one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world – the Locarno Film Festival. ‘Gnome. A New Beginning’ will also compete for the Golden Lion Award at the 50th FPFF and for an award in the Main Competition of the Tauron Young Horizons International Festival.

PREMIERE IN POLAND – WHEN AND WHERE?

The Polish premiere of the film ‘Skrzat. A New Beginning’ is scheduled for 19 September 2025. The film will be available in all cinemas nationwide.