Polish epic film adaptation of “Lalka” set for September 30 release

A new cinematic version of Bolesław Prus’s classic novel “Lalka” is scheduled to hit Polish cinemas on 30 September. Directed by Maciej Kawalski, the production stars Marcin Dorociński as Stanisław Wokulski, Kamila Urzędowska as Izabela Łęcka, and sees Marek Kondrat return as Ignacy Rzecki after a 16‑year hiatus. The teaser ends with the line “Istnieją wielkie zbrodnie na tym świecie, ale chyba największą jest zabić miłość,” signaling the film’s focus on love amid the social upheavals of late‑19th‑century Warsaw.

Alongside the film, a literary initiative titled “Nie‑Lalka” will present a series of short stories re‑imagining the novel’s characters with greater financial autonomy. Writers Jakub Twardoch, Sebastian Chutnik and Marcin Chmielarz are contributing, and the project is sponsored by ING Bank Śląski, which links the endeavor to its emphasis on entrepreneurship and economic independence. The stories will be released in September, timed to complement the movie’s premiere.