Agnieszka Holland's latest film, 'Franz,' has garnered significant attention at the 50th Gdynia Film Festival, a prominent event in the cinematic calendar. The Czech-Polish-German co-production, which explores the formative years of writer Franz Kafka, was a major winner at the festival, securing four awards, including the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Film. The film's lead, Idan Weiss, received the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Kafka, and Tomasz Naumiuk was honored for outstanding cinematography. 'Franz' has also been officially selected as Poland's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards, signaling strong international ambitions.
'Franz' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025, and was subsequently part of the main competition at the San Sebastián Film Festival. The film's narrative approach is noted for its innovative, mosaic-like presentation, weaving together different periods of Kafka's life and incorporating modern-day Prague to highlight the enduring relevance of his work. Holland described this method as a way to capture Kafka's "fragmented, imaginative inner world."
The film's theatrical release is scheduled for October 24, 2025, in Poland, with a Czech release on September 25, 2025. The screenplay, co-written by Marek Epstein and Agnieszka Holland, delves into Kafka's struggles with bureaucracy, personal anxieties, and relationships, aiming to connect his themes of alienation and absurdity with contemporary sensibilities. Idan Weiss's performance as Kafka has been lauded by Holland as a "miracle," with the director emphasizing his perfect embodiment of the role. The film's journey to the Oscars began with its selection by the Polish Oscar Committee, a testament to its artistic merit and potential to resonate with a global audience.