Poland was honoured as the Partner Country at the 12th Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026. From the opening night to the closing awards ceremony, Polish films, filmmakers, and cultural representatives played a central role in shaping the festival’s international character in the historic city of Jodhpur.

The festival opened on 31 January 2026 with the screening of the Chopin, Chopin!, directed by Michał Kwieciński. Selected as both the opening film and an official entry in the International Competition Section, the film added musically rich and reflective tone for the festival.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish Institute New Delhi, whose presence highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration between Poland and India.

Polish cinema continued to feature prominently during the festival’s competition screenings. The documentary Listy z Wilczej / Letters from Wolf Street was officially selected in the International Competition Section and screened on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. The film added a contemporary perspective to Poland’s cinematic representation at RIFF, engaging audiences with its intimate and observational narrative.

Alongside feature and documentary cinema, Polish short filmmaking was also represented through J, directed by Rafael Stemplewski, further demonstrating the diversity and creative vitality of contemporary Polish cinema.

The 12th RIFF concluded with a closing ceremony held at the iconic Mehrangarh Fort. The Polish delegation remained central to the proceedings, with Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak joined by Ms. Joanna Łapińska, Artistic Director of the Gdynia Film Festival, reinforcing the strong institutional and artistic ties between Poland and the international film community.

Polish cinema received outstanding recognition at the awards ceremony, winning three major international awards:

– Critics’ Choice Award for Best International Feature- Chopin, Chopin! – directed by Michał Kwieciński

-Best International Documentary Feature- Letters from Wolf Street – directed by Arjun Talwar

– Best International Short Film- J – Directed by Rafael Stemplewski

Poland’s role as Partner Country at the 12th Rajasthan International Film Festival reaffirmed the power of cinema as a tool for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.