On 14 January, the gala premiere of the film *Wielka Warszawska* took place in Warsaw, attended by the filmmakers and invited guests. Directed by Bartłomiej Ignaciuk, the film is a story full of twists and turns about sport, the mafia and complex human relationships. “Wielka Warszawska” will be in cinemas across Poland from 23 January.
The premiere was attended by the film’s creators, the cast and numerous guests from the worlds of culture and the media, including Tomasz Ziętek, Marcin Bosak, Tomasz Kot, Mirosław Kropielnicki, Tomasz Sapryk, Agnieszka Żulewska, Ireneusz Czop, Andrzej Konopka, Piotr Trojan, Adam Bobik, Mary Pawłowska, Aleksandra Adamska and Michalina Sosna.
FILM BANNED BY THE COMMUNIST AUTHORITIES
The film *Wielka Warszawska* is set in the early 1990s, when, following the fall of communism, new fortunes were being made and the rules of the game were changing. The screenplay was penned back in the 1980s by Jan Purzycki – the author of the now cult productions “Wielki Szu” and “Piłkarski poker” – and from the outset, the title was intended to complete his film trilogy about big money, gambling and scams. However, the artist was unable to realise the project, as the authorities of the People’s Republic of Poland, fearing that the film would discredit the state-run horse racing tracks, effectively blocked its production. Shortly before his death (in 2019), Purzycki handed over his final work to the producer and friend Tadeusz Lampka – then president of MTL Maxfilm. Alicja Grawon-Jaksik became the film’s producer, whilst Bartłomiej Ignaciuk is responsible for directing and adapting the screenplay.
“I grew up watching films like *Wielki Szu* and *Piłkarski poker*, so I was all the more delighted to have the chance to immerse myself in the world created by the entire creative team, and it was great fun to be able to contribute my own energy and imagination to this project,” said Marcin Bosak, who plays Omar, ahead of the film’s premiere.
– Working with Jan Purzycki’s script was like stepping onto the set of a cult film before the cameras had even started rolling. I felt excited, but also that pleasant thrill you get when you know you’re part of something special. And I immediately thought that with a script like this, the pressure is more of a privilege than a burden,” adds Piotr Trojan, who plays the character of Sagan.
In *Wielka Warszawska*, the lead role is played by Tomasz Ziętek; the cast also includes Tomasz Kot, Mirosław Kropielnicki, Tomasz Sapryk, Agnieszka Żulewska, Ireneusz Czop, Andrzej Konopka, Adam Bobik, Paweł Koślik and Mary Pawłowska, for whom this marks her big-screen debut.
WHAT IS ‘THE GREAT WARSAW’ ABOUT?
“The Great Warsaw” is the story of a young jockey dreaming of a career in the sport. The culmination of these dreams is taking part in Poland’s most important race – the Wielka Warszawska. The main character, Krzysiek, enters the world of horse racing with the naivety of a novice and an enthusiast. It is only after some time that he realises that racing is a web of interdependencies, powerful interests and the manipulation of results. The young man believes he can change this, especially as the country stands on the brink of great upheaval. The fall of communism offers hope that the future will only be better, and the rules clearer. However, in a world of corruption and dirty tricks, it is hard to remain untainted. Will Krzyś manage to resist the lure of big money and a fast-track career? How much is he willing to sacrifice to dismantle the prevailing system?
“Wielka Warszawska” is a gripping tale of sport, the underworld and the pursuit of dreams, set against the turbulent backdrop of the early 1990s. A sensational, lavishly produced spectacle set in the world of horse racing.
The producer of the film *Wielka Warszawska* is Alicja Grawon-Jaksik on behalf of MTL Maxfilm, and distribution is handled by NEXT FILM.
“Wielka Warszawska” hits cinemas on 23 January. And this coming weekend, 17 and 18 January, you can catch a preview screening at selected cinemas.
Find out where they’re playing.
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GREAT WARSAW
Release date: 23 January 2026
Cast: Tomasz Ziętek, Marcin Bosak, Tomasz Kot, Mirosław Kropielnicki, Tomasz Sapryk, Agnieszka Żulewska, Ireneusz Czop, Andrzej Konopka, Piotr Trojan, Adam Bobik, Paweł Koślik, Mary Pawłowska
Directed by: Bartłomiej Ignaciuk
Screenplay: Jan Purzycki
Adapted by: Bartłomiej Ignaciuk
Photos: Klaudiusz Dwulit
Set design: Janusz Mazurczak
Edited by: Andrzej Kowalski
Costumes: Małgorzata Gwiazdecka, Joanna Pamuła
Make-up: Marcin Rodak
Music: Jan Komar, Bartłomiej Tyciński
Sound: Teresa Bagińska, Michał Bagiński, Miłosz Jaroszek
Producer: Alicja Grawon-Jaksik
Production: MTL Maxfilm
Co-production: ARTRAMA, Mazovian Institute of Culture, Mazovian and Warsaw Film Fund
Co-financed by: the Mazovia Province, the Capital City of Warsaw, and the Polish Film Institute
Partners: Totalizator Sportowy, Służewiec Racecourse, Sopot Racecourse (Hipodrom)
Distribution: NEXT FILM
FILM PRODUCED IN POLAND WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT UNDER THE ACT ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTIONS, GRANTED BY THE POLISH FILM INSTITUTE FROM FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE.
Author: Aleksandra Misiak
