A recap of the Opening Gala of the 42nd Ale Kino! Festival

Yesterday, November 24, Poznań transformed into the global capital of young audience cinema for over a week. The opening day of the 42nd Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival was a whirlwind of world premieres, attractions for viewers of all ages, and meaningful discussions centered around the showcased films. With nearly all seats sold out, packed cinemas, and the audience’s heartfelt reactions, the event underscored the festival’s immense popularity.

Cinematic thrills begin early

The festivities started at 12:00 PM at Multikino Poznań 51, where younger audiences enjoyed a special screening of Netflix’s animated film Spellbound. The event, complemented by unique attractions prepared by Netflix, proved to be an absolute hit.

The venue featured a vibrant photo wall adorned with plush toys representing the film’s characters, where attendees could snap photos and take home instant prints. The fun continued with temporary tattoos of the film’s characters and specially designed popcorn boxes crafted for this event.

A surprise highlight was a Sing-Along session for the song My Parents Are Monsters from Spellbound, led by Ula Laudańska, a contestant from the 9th season of The Voice of Poland. Her energetic performance captivated the audience, bringing everyone together in song and joy, from children to parents alike.

The Netflix photo booth and tattoo station were clear crowd favorites, with long queues of eager participants immersing themselves in the magical atmosphere and taking home souvenirs from this unforgettable Ale Kino! and Netflix Poland collaboration.

Meanwhile, at the Scena Wspólna venue, specially arranged screenings of Our Little Hen offered a cozy and family-friendly cinematic experience for the youngest viewers. The cheerful atmosphere and engaging films drew smiles from the audience throughout the day.

The world premiere of Honey

The Sunday program also featured the world premiere of the Danish film Honey, directed by Natasha Arthy. Held at 2:00 PM, the screening was graced by special guests, including actor Wilhelm David Hakesberg, producer Maria Stevnbak Westergren, and screenwriter Mette Eike, adding a touch of international prestige to the occasion.

Following the screening, the guests engaged in interviews and discussions about the film. Wilhelm David Hakesberg drew particular attention as he saw his portrayal of Liam on the big screen for the first time, making it a truly special moment for the young actor.

A spectacular Opening Gala

At 4:00 PM, room 6 at Multikino Poznań 51 was filled to capacity for the festival’s official opening gala. The event began with speeches by Joanna Żygowska, Director of the Children’s Art Centre in Poznań, and Marta Jodko, Artistic Director of the Festival. Among the distinguished guests were young actor Theo Kretschmer and director Sarah Winkenstette of the film Greetings from Mars, which had its Polish premiere during the gala.

Theo Kretschmer officially announced the festival’s opening, inviting the audience to join in the first screening. The gala also welcomed high-profile attendees such as Poznań’s First Deputy Mayor, Jędrzej Solarski, and Deputy Governor of Greater Poland, Karolina Fabiś-Szulc, along with representatives from TVP, Kurier Akademicki, Radio Meteor UAM, and student television network Flesz.

The premiere of Greetings from Mars enchanted viewers with its heartfelt exploration of themes like family and dreams, earning warm applause from the audience.

Thank you for joining us

The opening day of the Ale Kino! Festival demonstrated that the event is more than just films; it’s a space for unforgettable experiences across generations.

Beyond the screenings, attendees had the chance to meet organizers, filmmakers, and special guests, enjoy unique activities, indulge in specially crafted popcorn, and browse the festival shop. Social media buzzed with positive coverage of the festival, reflecting its resounding success.

If you loved the festival’s atmosphere or have ideas for future editions, we encourage you to share your feedback through an anonymous survey (Polish language only). As a thank-you, participants will receive a 20% discount for events at Scena Wspólna.

Follow the festival’s events on our website and social media channels, share your experiences, and tag us in your photos at the photo wall. With so much still ahead, including countless attractions, the festival continues until December 1. Find the full program on the Ale Kino! website.