The Festival is part of a global community focused on diversity, respect, gender equality, barrier removal and inclusivity. It is also a place of sustainability that implements and promotes green solutions.

1. No architectural barriers in Festival venues

Almost all entrances to the Festival venues are free of stairs or are accessible by lift. Signs indicate accessibility. Most locations have spaces for wheelchair users (please give us a heads up by phone or email: 733 897 852; 695 363 353, helpdesk@festiwalgdynia.pl).

2. Facilities for people with disabilities

People with disabilities can order tickets by phone or email: 733 897 852; 695 363 353, helpdesk@festiwalgdynia.pl. Those with severe disabilities are eligible for a complimentary carer’s ticket, subject to availability. Once the allocation is exhausted, standard ticket prices will apply. Guide dogs are welcome but require prior notification and approval, which must be presented at the entrance.

3. Screenings with audio description for the blind and visually impaired and subtitles for the d/Deaf

We strive to make the PFF disability-friendly. Every year, two competition films are presented using techniques that make them accessible to blind, partially sighted and d/Deaf audiences. This year, these films are Sparrow (directed by Tomasz Gąssowski) and Seasons (directed by Michał Grzybowski).

By providing additional verbal commentary, audio description enables blind people to comprehend visual arts, theatre and film. This technique involves describing key visual details, such as body language, facial expressions, plot progression, scenery and costumes. Concise verbal descriptions allow visually impaired viewers to follow the narrative and understand what is happening on screen.

Additionally, films with audio description at the PFF are subtitled. Facilities for people with sensory disabilities allow them to participate fully in the cinematic experience. These screenings, open to all Festival participants, bring viewers together and show that mental and physical barriers can be overcome through the shared experience of the film.

Additionally, the film Sparrow (dir. Tomasz Gąssowski) will be interpreted into sign language.

4. Kino Dostępne application

In the Kino Dostępne app, you can use your smartphone to listen to audio descriptions and voiceover versions of subtitles during cinema screenings. The app includes three titles from the 49th PFF programme: Kleks Academy (directed by Maciej Kawulski), Too Old for Fairy Tales 2 (directed by Kristoffer Rus) and Sparrow (directed by Tomasz Gąssowski).

5. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be interpreted into sign language, and all online videos (conferences and meetings) will be subtitled in Polish

6. Education through culture

The Festival has an extensive offer for children (Gdynia for Children and Janusz Korczak Golden Lion Cubs Award), shaping the imagination and sensitivity of young audiences. Our offer includes screenings for organised groups (kindergartens and schools) and evening screenings for families. In addition to activities for young audiences, we have prepared a Gdynia Industry panel titled ‘Let’s work for the future: How to wisely create cinema for young audiences and make them grow with it?’.

7. Hearing all the voices – how to make the Polish industry diverse and inclusive?

The film depicts the world in a nutshell, but it doesn’t always reflect its diversity and complexity. At the Gdynia Industry panel organised in collaboration with the European Film Academy, we will address the representation of queer people on screen and in the film industry. We will discuss the strategies for ensuring the diversity of inclusivity – i.e., the inclusion of overlooked minorities – used in different parts of Europe and promoted by the European Film Academy.

8. Accessibility Consultant

We want to do better! With the next Festival editions in mind, we hired the Accessibility Consultant whose task is to identify areas for improvement.

9. Helpline

800 70 2222 – Support centre for people in mental health crisis 116 123 – Adult Crisis Helpline

10. Wellbeing

During the PFF, you can visit a Mental Point, a place where, for three festival mornings, you can catch your breath and experience a moment of peace.