Łódź: A City in the Spotlight

Nestled in the heart of Poland, the city of Łódź has a cinematic soul that pulses through its streets, buildings, and cultural institutions. From its historic film studios to the world-renowned Łódź Film School, the city’s connection to the silver screen is undeniable. I had the pleasure of speaking with Monika Marlicka-Robert, the coordinator of Łódź’s UNESCO City of Film project, in one of the state-of-the-art cinemas at the EC1 Łódź – City of Culture complex. The setting could not have been more appropriate – we were surrounded by the very infrastructure that makes Łódź a cinematic powerhouse, in a beautifully soundproofed screening room with 49 seats and acoustics so perfect that musicians have already performed concerts there.

As we settled into our conversation, it became clear that Łódź’s relationship with film is not merely institutional but deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. Walk through the city and you’ll encounter open-air cinema screenings projected onto the sides of former mills, with locals relaxing in deck chairs under the stars. Visit the museums and you’ll discover that countless international films, supposedly set in Paris, Vienna, or other European capitals, were actually shot right here in Łódź. This is a city where cinema is not just an industry but a living, breathing part of the urban experience. In this interview, Monika delves into the city’s rich cinematic history, its enduring legacy, and what makes Łódź a must-visit destination for film lovers.

The Birth of a Cinematic Powerhouse

Łódź’s journey to becoming a cinematic powerhouse began in the aftermath of the Second World War, born from both necessity and opportunity. As Monika explains, with Warsaw heavily bombed and much of Poland’s infrastructure destroyed, the Polish film industry needed a new home. Łódź, centrally located and relatively unscathed by the war, presented itself as the perfect choice. “The whole film production became centred here,” she says, describing a pivotal moment in Polish cultural history.

The establishment of the Feature Film Studio in 1945 marked the beginning of a new era for the city. This wasn’t just another film facility – it would become the largest film studio in Poland within just a few years, serving as the birthplace of countless cinematic masterpieces. The studio’s significance cannot be overstated; it was here that some of Poland’s most celebrated directors, including Andrzej Wajda, created their groundbreaking works. Wajda’s “Canal,” a powerful exploration of the Warsaw Uprising, was shot entirely within the studio’s walls, establishing a tradition of using Łódź as a canvas for stories that would resonate far beyond Poland’s borders.

The city’s cinematic landscape was further enriched with the founding of the Łódź Film School, a legendary institution that would become synonymous with excellence in film education worldwide. “This school is one of the oldest film schools in the world,” Monika proudly states, adding that it is consistently ranked among the best by international film magazines. The school’s alumni read like a who’s who of cinema: Roman Polański, Krzysztof Kieślowski, and countless cinematographers who have gone on to achieve worldwide recognition.

But the story doesn’t end with these two flagship institutions. The late 1940s saw the creation of the Educational Film Studio, completing a triumvirate of film production facilities that would cement Łódź’s reputation as Poland’s undisputed film capital. This wasn’t merely about infrastructure – it was about creating an ecosystem where creativity could flourish, where students could learn from masters, and where the art of filmmaking could evolve and thrive.

A City as a Film Set

Łódź’s transformation into a filmmaker’s paradise is inextricably linked to a quirk of history that initially seemed like a disadvantage. Unlike many Polish cities that were heavily damaged during the Second World War and subsequently rebuilt, Łódź remained largely intact. This preservation of its 19th-century architecture, while initially overlooked in favour of reconstruction efforts elsewhere, has proven to be one of the city’s greatest cinematic assets.

The city’s unique architectural landscape, a legacy of its industrial past, has made it a dream location for filmmakers seeking authentic period settings. The historic tenement houses, factory buildings, and tree-lined streets provide an atmospheric backdrop that can convincingly represent various European cities across different historical periods. “There are not so many places in Poland where you will still find tenement houses and buildings in quite poor condition, which makes for real scenography for film,” Monika explains, highlighting the paradoxical advantage of having areas that haven’t yet undergone complete renovation.

This authenticity has not gone unnoticed by the international film community. Productions that are supposedly set in Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen, or other European capitals have frequently chosen Łódź as their actual filming location. The city’s four-kilometre-long Piotrkowska Street, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian thoroughfares, can transform into almost any European boulevard, while the surrounding districts offer everything from industrial backdrops to elegant residential quarters.

The affectionate nickname “HollyŁódź” reflects both the city’s pride in its cinematic heritage and its playful acknowledgement of its growing international reputation. However, this success brings its own challenges. As Monika candidly admits, there are concerns within the film community about the ongoing revitalisation efforts. While the city gains enormously from an urban development perspective, there’s a recognition that it may be losing some of the “real soul” that makes it so attractive to filmmakers seeking authentic, unpolished locations.

The tension between preservation and progress is one that many historic cities face, but in Łódź, it takes on a particular significance given the city’s role as a living film set. The Łódź Film Commission, the oldest such organisation in Poland, works to balance these competing interests while continuing to support filmmakers with professional assistance and access to the city’s unique locations.

UNESCO Recognition: A City of Film

In 2017, Łódź’s rich cinematic heritage received the ultimate international recognition when it was designated a UNESCO City of Film, becoming the first Polish city to achieve this prestigious status. This title, Monika explains, was not just an honour but a confirmation of what everyone in Poland already knew: that Łódź is truly a city of film. The designation places Łódź among just 26 film cities worldwide, creating a global network of cinematic centres that includes cities from Australia, Africa, Europe, and beyond.

As a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Łódź now collaborates with other film cities around the world, sharing knowledge, creating joint projects, and developing new opportunities for its filmmakers. This international recognition has opened doors to partnerships and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich the city’s already vibrant film scene. The network provides a platform for Łódź to showcase its unique contributions to world cinema while learning from other cities with similar cinematic heritage.

A Film Lover’s Paradise

For film enthusiasts visiting Łódź, the city offers a wealth of attractions that cater to every level of interest, from casual movie lovers to serious cinephiles and industry professionals. The National Centre for Film Culture, where our interview took place, stands as the crown jewel of the city’s film institutions. This modern facility is far more than just a cinema with its three state-of-the-art screening rooms; it’s a comprehensive educational hub dedicated to popularising audiovisual culture and teaching the history of Polish cinema.

The centre houses two major permanent exhibitions that offer immersive journeys through Poland’s cinematic heritage. “Polonia Cinema” is the first and largest exhibition in Poland devoted entirely to the history of Polish cinematography, tracing the art form from its pioneering days to contemporary times. This comprehensive display allows visitors to understand not just the technical evolution of Polish cinema but also its cultural and social significance throughout the decades.

The second exhibition, “The Matter of Cinema,” takes a more interactive approach, focusing on the actual process of filmmaking. Designed as an engaging, game-like experience, it allows visitors to explore the various stages of film production, from initial concept to final cut. For those fascinated by the technical aspects of cinema, a third exhibition called “The Mechanical Eye” is currently under construction, which will focus specifically on the technology of the film industry, showcasing cameras, equipment, and the technical innovations that have shaped cinema.

But the centre’s mission extends beyond exhibitions. It operates five educational studios that host workshops for people of all ages, not just young aspiring filmmakers. These include a mini TV studio, animation facilities, a stop-motion animation studio, and sound studios, providing hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of modern filmmaking. This educational component ensures that Łódź’s film heritage is not just preserved but actively passed on to new generations.

Of course, no film lover’s journey through Łódź would be complete without a visit to the Cinematography Museum, housed in the beautiful 19th-century Scheibler Palace. As Poland’s only museum dedicated to film history, it offers a unique perspective on the development of cinema both in Poland and internationally. The museum’s collection spans the entire history of moving pictures, from early optical devices to modern digital technology.

Throughout the city, film culture permeates daily life in ways that visitors quickly discover. Film-related murals and installations dot the urban landscape, creating an outdoor gallery that celebrates the city’s cinematic heritage. During the summer months, open-air cinema screenings become a regular feature of city life, with locals gathering in parks and courtyards to watch films projected onto building walls, creating a communal viewing experience that harks back to cinema’s earliest days.

For those seeking a deeper dive into the city’s film industry, Monika strongly recommends contacting the Łódź Film Commission. As the oldest film commission in Poland, this organisation can provide comprehensive introductions to the local film sector, arrange meetings with industry professionals, and offer insights into the practical aspects of filmmaking in the city. They manage the Łódź Film Fund, which supports film production and can provide valuable information about the city’s role in contemporary cinema.

A City of Contrasts

When asked about her favourite aspect of Łódź, Monika points to its unique blend of history and modernity. “It’s a city of contrasts,” she says, a place where the legacy of the textile industry intertwines with the vibrant energy of the film world. This unique mixture of different branches and ideas, she believes, is what makes Łódź so special. It’s a city that is constantly evolving, a city that is not afraid to embrace its past while looking to the future. For any traveller with a passion for film, history, and culture, Łódź is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire.

Further Information

For readers interested in learning more about Łódź’s cinematic heritage, the following resources provide comprehensive information:

Key Institutions:

Official Tourism Resources:

Ged Brown spend 5 days exploring Łódź during the warm and bright low season month of August 2025. He clocked up 80k steps, recorded 4 deep conversations, and finally learned how to pronounce “Piotrkowska Street” on his final day in the city… 

 

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