Warsaw, 19 December 2025 – the nationwide ticket presale has begun for “SAVAGE”, the latest work by Maciej Kawulski and one of the most anticipated cinema releases of 2026. The film stars Tomasz Włosok as the title character, Savage, alongside among others Agata Buzek, Leszek Lichota, Sebastian Fabijański and Zofia Jastrzębska. The production opens in cinemas across Poland on 1 January 2026. After the preview screenings, early audiences have unanimously described the film as the unofficial prequel to the Janosik legend, comparing its protagonist to a “Tarzan of the Carpathians” – a wild warrior raised by nature.
A story growing out of legend
“SAVAGE” transports viewers to the 17th-century Carpathians, a world where myth and history intertwine at every turn. At the centre of the story is a half-wild, mute warrior, raised both by the people of the mountains and by animals. He grows up beyond civilisation, in full symbiosis with nature, guided by instinct and intuition.
His fate crosses paths with the brutal mission of an imperial inquisitor who, under the pretext of recovering stolen papal insignia, unleashes a bloody campaign of violence. Against the backdrop of monumental mountains, two orders collide – nature and civilisation, freedom and fanaticism, instinct and power.
First audience reactions
After the preview screenings, audience reviews have been full of admiration for the production’s scale, the rawness of the world depicted and the physicality of the main character. Many viewers point to clear associations with the legend of Janosik – both through the outlaw mythology of the Carpathians and the realities of the 17th century. The main character is often described as a “Tarzan of the Carpathians” – a symbol of primal freedom and the power of nature.
A film that has to be seen in the cinema
The filmmakers emphasise that “SAVAGE” is a production made to be watched on the big screen, where its visual and emotional scale can fully resonate.
As director Maciej Kawulski says:
“This is a film you have to see in the cinema. Only on the big screen can you truly feel the scale of the mountains, the brutality of the 17th century and the physicality of this story.”
Ticket presale from 19 December
The ticket presale for “SAVAGE” began on 19 December 2025 in cinemas across Poland. The film hits the screens on 1 January 2026, opening the new year with one of the most distinctive releases in Polish cinema.
The lead role is played by Tomasz Włosok (“Jak pokochałam gangstera”, “How I Became a Gangster. True Story”). Joining the cast are also outstanding actors: Leszek Lichota (“Znachor”, “Wataha”), Agata Buzek (“Niewinne”, “Iluzja”), Sebastian Fabijański (“Miasto 44”, “The Butler”), Zofia Jastrzębska (“Infamia”, “Warszawianka”), Sebastian Dela (“W głębi lasu”, “Idź przodem, bracie”), Maciej Kosiacki (“Lęk”, “Aniela”), Konrad Kąkol (“Heweliusz”, “Taty nie ma”) and debutante Angelika Włoch.
About the film:
“SAVAGE” – prod. 2025, running time: 132 minutes
Directed by: Maciej Kawulski
Screenplay: Rafał Lipski, Maciej Kawulski
Music: Mateusz Schmidt, Ape Chimba
Cinematography: Bartek Cierlica PSC
Production design: Maciej Waśkiewicz
Costumes: Agnieszka Osipa, Kaja Rogacz
Make-up: Karolina Kordas, Marta “Jamajka” Dąbrowska
Editing: Marcin Drewnowski, Maciej Kawulski, Krzysztof Komander, Nikodem Chabior
Line producer: Anita Kawulska, Piotr Bogusz
Casting director: Marta Wojciechowska
Sound: Michał Matlak, Marcin Matlak
Sound director: Marcin Kasiński MPSE
Co-production: NEXT FILM, ZPR MEDIA FILM & TV, TVN Warner Bros. Discovery, Bajka Pana Kleksa, Hollywood Hair, Aposparktura, IBRA, KODO 9
Co-financing: Polish Film Institute, Republic of Slovenia Ministry of Culture
Distribution: NEXT FILM
Premiere: 1 January 2026
Stay up to date with SAVAGE:
www.openmindproduction.pl
IG @kawul_ksw
TIKTOK @i.am.kawul
Youtube @filmsopenmind
Media contact:
Lena Suszka
lenasuszka@gmail.com
+48 789 000 446
