The Poznań Crime Festival GRANDA has captivated mystery lovers from across Poland for the past decade, establishing itself as a must-attend event in the country’s cultural calendar. Taking place at the atmospheric Stary Browar, this unique festival celebrates crime in all its literary forms. For its tenth anniversary, the organisers have pulled out all the stops, curating an exciting line-up of discussions, author meet-and-greets, workshops, and thematic panels that promise to immerse participants in the dark and intriguing world of crime fiction. Get ready for three days filled with riddles, secrets, and stories of crime – all within the literary realm, of course!
A Decade of Crime and Culture
The Poznań Crime Festival GRANDA has carved out a special place in Poland’s literary scene over the past ten years. Born from a passion for crime fiction, it quickly became a staple for enthusiasts of mysteries and detective stories. Every September, writers, publishers, and fans of crime literature gather in Poznań to celebrate their shared love for thrilling narratives.
This year, the festival’s main events will be hosted at Stary Browar, one of Poznań’s most iconic venues. Located on level +3 of the building in the club Słodownia, the GRANDA stage will be the epicentre of the action, featuring a range of thematic discussions and author presentations. The theme for this year, “Sentimental Crimes,” will be explored in various creative and innovative ways, staying true to the festival’s crime-filled spirit while marking its milestone tenth anniversary.
Highlights of the Tenth Edition
Opening Ceremony and Themed Events
The festival kicks off on Friday, 20 September, at 16:00 with a grand opening ceremony. This will be followed by a series of intriguing events, starting with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the radio drama “Nikt nie jest doskonały” (“Nobody is Perfect”). Attendees will hear from the screenplay writer and director Ryszard Ćwirlej, along with actors Oliwia Nazimek and Mieczysław Hryniewicz. This unique glimpse into the world of audio drama production sets the tone for a weekend full of engaging storytelling and discussion.
Panels and Workshops for Crime Enthusiasts
Saturday promises a diverse array of panels and workshops, catering to a wide audience. Highlights include a discussion on whether the queen of crime, Agatha Christie, would turn in her grave at the changes in contemporary crime writing. This session, featuring authors Mariusz Czubaj, Przemysław Żarski, and Bartosz Szczygielski, is sure to provoke lively debate. Later, fans of true crime will have the opportunity to hear from investigative journalist and author John Glatt, who will explore the psychology and backgrounds of serial killers in a fascinating session titled “Where Do Serial Killers Come From?”
For those looking to get hands-on, the festival offers several workshops, such as “Create a Podcast and Captivate an Audience,” led by Michał Larek, a crime fiction writer and podcast creator. Participants will learn the art of storytelling, interviewing, and producing compelling content, with a special focus on crime-themed podcasts. Another standout workshop is the “Facial Reconstruction from a Skull” session led by forensic anthropologist Dr Dorota Lorkiewicz-Muszyńska, offering a rare opportunity to delve into the world of forensic science.
Expanding Beyond the Main Venue: Satellite Events
In addition to the main programme, Poznań Crime Festival GRANDA, extends its reach through “Stacje Sensacje” (Stations of Sensation), satellite events that activate various cultural and educational institutions throughout Poznań. From high schools and libraries to university centres and smaller cultural hubs, these events provide a platform for broader community engagement. For example, the interactive escape room exhibition “Ballada z Trupem” (“Ballad with a Corpse”) at the Raczyński Library allows participants to solve a crime mystery using clues scattered throughout the venue.
A Community for Crime Lovers
The Poznań Crime Festival GRANDA festival is more than just an event – it’s a community of crime fiction enthusiasts. The festival’s atmosphere is hard to describe but easy to feel. Once experienced, it draws attendees back year after year. With a diverse programme that offers valuable entertainment for all ages – from adults to the youngest aspiring detectives – GRANDA creates a space for engaging panels, conversations, lectures, and workshops, along with the much-loved informal discussions that often take place in between scheduled events.
Join the Celebration!
Mark your calendars for 20-22 September 2024 and join the Poznań Crime Festival GRANDA community at Stary Browar in Poznań for this exciting 10th-anniversary celebration. Whether you’re a crime fiction aficionado or just looking for a unique cultural experience, GRANDA has something for everyone. Come and get your fill of thrilling stories, insightful discussions, and a touch of mystery – we promise it will be a weekend to remember!
