Over the past years the Polish film market has undergone significant transformation, mainly driven by the rapid growth of streaming platforms and the impact of the pandemic. In 2019, cinemas in Poland reached a record high of more than 60 million admissions and approximately PLN 1.14 billion (EUR 267.7 million) in box office revenue. During the pandemic, however, cinema attendance dropped by more than 70%, and many viewers permanently shifted to streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. Today, going to the cinema is more often perceived as a premium or special experience, while everyday film consumption mainly takes place online.
At the same time, the importance of Polish productions has increased considerably. Domestic films and series — especially thrillers, historical films, biographies, and social dramas — have become more popular among audiences. The Polish Film Institute supports around 250–300 audiovisual productions annually, including approximately 40–50 feature films as well as more than 100 documentaries and animated productions. The institute’s annual budget usually ranges between PLN 200–300 million.
The market has also become more international. Thanks to the cash rebate system, which offers up to a 30% reimbursement of production costs incurred in Poland, the country attracts a growing number of international projects and co-productions. Social media and digital marketing have also become increasingly important, with TikTok, YouTube, and influencer recommendations having a strong impact on a film’s commercial success.
The key trend of recent years has therefore been the transition from a traditional cinema-based market to one dominated by streaming platforms, alongside the growing quality and international visibility of Polish film productions.
In the field of cinema, the new Cinematography Act (2005) was a very important step forward. Under this Act, the Polish Film Institute, which acts de facto as semi non-departmental public body, was created. The Polish Film Institute is responsible directly to the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The Institute’s board is appointed by the Minister and comprises eleven people chosen from the film community. The Institute’s tasks, as specified in the Act on Cinematography, are among others: to create conditions for the development of Polish film production and international co-production; to inspire and support the development of all types of Polish film creativity, in particular artistic films, including the development of film projects and the production and distribution of such films; to support film debuts and the artistic development of young filmmakers; to subsidise enterprises in developing film projects, film production, distribution and dissemination of films, and in providing assistance and expert services to public administration and to support the upkeep of film archives.
Film Commission Poland and regional film commissions continue to support the international visibility of Poland as a filming location and production partner. Their activities focus on attracting foreign productions, coordinating regional cooperation and promoting the Polish audiovisual sector internationally. The development of audiovisual infrastructure and international co-production networks became increasingly important elements of cultural and economic policy related to the creative industries.
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