Idea more than a film school
In 2001, Andrzej Wajda and Wojciech Marczewski formed a film school. Based on the concept of the ‘Film Group’ model, they focused on the effectiveness of the group work method and on the collaboration of generations, and offered a program that is unique in Europe, combining education with production targeted to film professionals.
As part of the programs offered by the School, the most interesting directors of the younger generation, both Polish and foreign, are developing their projects and they often produce them here. More than 50 documentary and feature films, as well as 200 shorts have been produced so far. They have been selected and often won prizes at the most prestigious festivals, including Berlinale, San Sebastian, Karlovy Vary, Hot Docs, IDFA, DOK Leipzig and European Film Awards nominee. The school enjoys the honorary patronage of the European Film Academy.
The Wajda School Foundation operates with the support of the Polish Film Institute and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. In addition, from 2011 the Wajda School Foundation is subject to the City of Żyrardów patronage, where the school has opened a branch.
In 2011, continuing the mission of the School, Andrzej Wajda and Wojciech Marczewski established a film production studio - The Wajda Studio. The studio focuses on auteur film projects. We are looking for feature and documentary films, and short films on contemporary subjects. The Studio makes a difference by artistic supervision from the best Polish and European artists, and by placing a firm emphasis on project development.