An unmissable celebration of conscious cinema is about to sweep through Poznań, and it’s more than just entertainment—it’s a platform for change. From 9–18 May, Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025 returns to Kino Muza, bringing with it a bold programme of over 50 thought-provoking documentaries from across the globe.
More Than a Film Festival
Founded in 2004, Millennium Docs Against Gravity (MDAG) is now one of Europe’s largest documentary film festivals, with simultaneous screenings across Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Katowice, Łódź, Bydgoszcz and Poznań. Its mission is clear: challenge perceptions, ignite discussion, and inspire action. As the festival’s motto this year says, “Między nami cały świat”—The whole world between us—each film becomes a window into shared global experiences.
In Poznań, the festival has carved a special niche for itself. Held at the iconic Kino Muza, MDAG consistently draws record-breaking attendance.
We have no doubt that this sixth Poznań edition will again bring an unforgettable spark to the city’s cultural calendar.
said Karolina Kulig, press spokesperson for the Poznań festival.
Films That Matter
Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025 features 54 powerful documentaries screened during 137 sessions, including Polish premieres, international hits, and Oscar-nominated productions. The opening night on 9 May at 20:00 kicks off with the critically acclaimed Mr. Nobody Against Putin—the Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance. This poignant and darkly humorous tale follows a teacher-turned-filmmaker documenting the military indoctrination of his small Russian hometown post-Ukraine invasion. The screening will be followed by a live discussion with the film’s director David Borenstein.
One of the festival’s most emotionally resonant entries is Come See Me in the Good Light, a tender portrait of love, poetry, and life’s fleeting moments. Also in competition: My Stolen Planet, Farahnaz Sharifi’s deeply personal reflection on women’s rights and resistance in Iran, and 2000 Metres to Andriivka, a raw, immersive look into the front lines of Ukraine’s defence, captured through helmet-mounted cameras.
For those captivated by environmental issues, Only on Earth by Robin Petré is a must-see, with its ethereal cinematography of wild horses and forest fires echoing the urgency of ecological preservation. These stories not only inform but also urge reflection—and, ideally, action.
A Stage for Human Rights
MDAG isn’t just about films. It’s also a platform for honouring those who champion freedom and justice. This year marks the fifth edition of the City of Poznań Freedom Award, which celebrates the film that best embodies the defence of human dignity and rights. The winner receives €3000 and is selected by a local jury comprising cultural icons such as Kasia Czajka-Kominiarczuk and Natalia Koryncka-Gruz.
Films like Apocalypse in the Tropics—a political thriller about religious extremism in Brazil—and Coexistence, My Ass!, an unflinching but humorous critique of Israeli-Palestinian dynamics, compete for this prestigious honour.
Meet the Minds Behind the Lens
Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025 offers rare opportunities to engage directly with the artists shaping these stories. On 10 May, a discussion around Letters from Wolf Street brings together its director, editor, and composer. The same day, audiences can delve into identity and Palestinian culture after Yalla Parkour, in a panel hosted by Emil Al-Khawaldeh and Ala Qandil.
Later in the week, masterclasses and public talks enrich the experience. Highlights include the DKF Kamera discussion on Riefenstahl (13 May) and Arabic calligraphy workshops linked to Coexistence, My Ass! (18 May).
Tickets, Passes, and Practical Info
Tickets for Poznań’s Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025 are already on sale at kinomuza.pl and bilety24.pl, with prices starting at a very accessible 14 zł. Festival passes, available only at Kino Muza, are limited in number—grab them while they last.
Sustainability, Storytelling, and the Spirit of Poznań
At its core, Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025 embraces a vision of sustainable cultural practice. From championing climate change awareness in films to offering eco-conscious event planning, MDAG positions itself as a festival that doesn’t just speak about change—it embodies it.
Poznań’s artistic community is pivotal to this movement. With Kino Muza at its heart, the city provides not just a venue, but a community space where art, activism, and audience unite.
Why MDAG Matters
In a world increasingly shaped by misinformation and division, festivals like MDAG are vital. They remind us of our shared humanity, our fragile environment, and the power of stories to bridge gaps.
This is what’s best about documentary cinema—and cinema as a whole.
said Karol Piekarczyk, the festival’s artistic director.
Whether you’re an environmentalist, a cinephile, or simply curious about the world, Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025 in Poznań is an invitation to feel, learn, and engage.
