Łódź has a long-standing film tradition connected not only with the work of the Łódź Film School and Se-ma-for. The city holds a charm that has consistently attracted directors over the years. It has played a role in many productions: in some only an episode, and in others it served as the backdrop for the most important events. Directors such as Machulski, Koterski, and Holland worked here. Łódź inspired both romantic comedies and dramas, literary adaptations, and thrillers. See 10 of the best films made in Łódź!

"Women Are Different"

Marek Koterski, creator of the cult classic "Day of the Wacko," decided to tackle stereotypes related to male-female relationships. Of course, in his original, unique way—on one hand satirical, on the other bitter and eloquent. The film "Women Are Different" was made in 2011, with Łódź itself, or rather Łódź streets, as the backdrop. Filming took place at a warehouse on ulica Łąkowa. The main characters are the unhappy Adaś and Pucio, who during a car trip have a conversation about women. Their dialogue echoes with discontent, anti-feminist sentiment, and a hangover from the communist era. Although it's not a film with breathtaking action scenes, you certainly won't be able to take your eyes off the screen.

"Ailuvu"

Another production by Marek Koterski with Łódź in the background is the cult film "Ailuvu" starring Cezary Pazura and Katarzyna Figura in the lead roles. Once again, we can watch the adventures of Adaś Miauczyński, who this time struggles with difficult erotic-emotional relationships. For her role in this film, Katarzyna Figura received the Golden Lion for best female lead in 1999. As always with Koterski, there is humor, witty dialogue, but also important reflections.

"Kingsajz"

King size—or "royal size" in English—is the title of a film by Juliusz Machulski, which was shot in Łódź in 1987. The phrase in the title is the name of a drink that has magical properties giving dwarves the height of an ordinary human. The dwarves inhabit a land called Szuflada, which is located in the basement of the Institute of Quaternary Research. The chemist Adaś working there prepares the titular drink, thereby bringing the wrath of the dwarves' leader upon himself. The cast includes Jerzy Stuhr, Katarzyna Figura, Witold Pyrkosz, and Jacek Chmielnik.

"In Darkness"

An extraordinary film by Agnieszka Holland telling the story of a small-time thief from Lviv who helps a group of Jews from the ghetto hide in the sewers. The film is based on the novel "In The Sewers of Lvov" and the memoirs of Krystyna Chiger (one of the film's characters), which were described in the book "The Girl in the Green Sweater." Brilliant direction and an equally brilliant lead role by Robert Więckiewicz make the film deserving of the highest praise and awards. It moves and prompts reflection on Polish identity and a reconsideration of wartime trauma.

"Ida"

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015. "Ida" is a film that tells the story of the Holocaust in a new, unconventional way. It shows the emptiness left after the almost complete elimination of the Jewish community, religion, and culture in Poland. The film is set in Poland in 1962, with the landscape of Łódź serving as the backdrop to the story. An excellent performance by Agata Kulesza and Dawid Ogrodnik directed by Paweł Pawlikowski.

"The Promised Land"

In a compilation of the best films with Łódź in the background, the great production of Andrzej Wajda—"The Promised Land"—could not be missing. This 1974 feature film is an adaptation of a novel by Władysław Reymont with the same title. Interestingly, two camera crews worked simultaneously on the filming, which was intended to give the whole work a violent and nervous quality that was inherent to the character of the industrial city. Violetta Villas was supposed to play Lucy Zuckerowa, but rejected Wajda's offer. However, Daniel Olbrychski and Kalina Jędrusik agreed to participate.

"Nothing Funny"

"Nothing Funny," directed by Marek Koterski, is a film that undoubtedly everyone should watch. It's a story of Adaś Miauczyński's life where comedy-drama and tragicomedy intertwine. Adaś is a director and graduate of the Łódź Film School. He has lived in Łódź for 20 years, is unfulfilled emotionally, professionally, and in his relationships with others. His whole life he has struggled with the syndrome of being second. The lead role is played by the invaluable Cezary Pazura.

"Edi"

A film about how an ordinary person grows accustomed to accepting everything that happens to him. The main characters are two homeless garbage collectors whose fate forces them to take care of a gang boss's sister's child. This Polish social drama was made in 2002 and became an Oscar candidate. Initially, the action takes place in Łódź, and in later scenes it moves to the countryside. Directed by Piotr Trzaskalski.

"Thr3e"

An American horror film about a real war between good and evil, which was shot in Łódź—"Thr3e." The main character of the film is Kevin, a student at a theological seminary who works on a thesis devoted to questions of good and evil. Unexpectedly, he becomes the target of a cruel game orchestrated by a psychopathic murderer, and he experiences the battle between good and evil in reality.

"Vabank"

Another cult production with Łódź in the background. "Vabank" is the directorial debut of Juliusz Machulski from 1981. The action of the film takes place in interwar Poland, in the year 1934. The main character is Henryk Kwinto, a notorious gambler, who finally goes free after serving six years. The world has changed in the meantime: his wife has moved in with another man, and his partner has brought about bankruptcy and the death of a friend. Kwinto (played by Machulski himself) decides to take revenge.