Leszek Kopeć, the long-time director of the Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia, has died, as announced by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage on platform X. He was 73 years old and had been battling an illness in recent years. Kopeć was remembered as a "man dedicated to culture, a visionary," who played a significant role in shaping the film and cultural scene in Gdynia.
Kopeć was born on July 3, 1951, in Gdańsk. He graduated in 1976 from the Faculty of Polish Philology at the University of Gdańsk. His journey in the arts began early; from 1973 to 1979, he co-founded and edited the student magazine "Literaria." He later became the editor-in-chief of the "Fokus" publishing house from 1993 to 1994 and collaborated with "Kurier Czytelniczego Megaron" from 1995 to 2002. Since 2010, he published the "Kwartalnik Artystyczny Bliza," further contributing to the literary and cultural landscape.
In 1999, Kopeć took on the role of director at Neptun Film, where he honed his skills in film production. His leadership at the Polish Feature Film Festival began shortly thereafter, and he celebrated his 25th anniversary with the festival last year. His contributions to the festival were monumental, fostering a space for Polish cinema to flourish.
From 2015 to 2022, Kopeć served as the director of the Gdynia Film Center, and since 2010, he was the director of the Gdynia Film School. His influence extended beyond administrative roles; he was also a producer of numerous diploma films by graduates of the Gdynia Film School, many of which received accolades at over 100 festivals worldwide, including nominations for the prestigious Golden Palm at Cannes.
Kopeć's impact on the Gdynia cultural scene was profound. He was associated with the "Żak" Film Discussion Club, where he nurtured a love for cinema among students and film enthusiasts alike. His dedication earned him multiple accolades, including the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Gloria Artis medals awarded by the Minister of Culture. In 2015, he was honored with the Pomeranian Eagle award and was named Personality of the Year by Dziennik Bałtycki in 2016.
His passing marks a significant loss for the Polish film community. "It is hard to believe in the death of a man who has always been there," stated a representative from the Polish Feature Film Festival. They described him as a "man of wisdom, humility, charisma, and curiosity about others," leaving behind a legacy as a cultural creator and authority.
In addition to his numerous achievements, Kopeć was also known for his diverse interests. He was not only a film director but also a rally driver and an author, having published a novel titled "Kredowe koło" in 1989. His multifaceted personality and passion for storytelling endeared him to many in the industry.
City council member Mariusz Bezdęga expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news of Kopeć's passing. He recalled their brief collaboration and noted, "From our first meeting, Leszek Kopeć appeared to me as an exceptionally helpful, kind, and open person. His passion and commitment were palpable. His departure is a great loss for Gdynia."
Leszek Kopeć's contributions to the arts were not limited to film; he had a hand in various cultural initiatives that enriched the Gdynia community. His leadership at the Gdynia Film School helped cultivate new generations of filmmakers, ensuring that his influence would extend well into the future.
As tributes pour in from colleagues and friends, it is clear that Kopeć's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the vibrant cultural community he helped to build. His dedication to the arts and commitment to nurturing talent have left an indelible mark on Polish cinema.
In recognition of his extensive contributions, Kopeć was awarded the Artistic Award of the President of the City of Gdynia in 2009 and the Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski Medal in 2017. His recent accolade in 2025, being distinguished in the golden ten of the "Pomeranian of the Year" award, underscores his lasting impact.
Leszek Kopeć's death is not just a loss for Gdynia but for the entire Polish film industry. As the community mourns, many will remember him not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal warmth and dedication to fostering creativity and collaboration.
His passing is a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural figures who dedicate their lives to the arts, and the void left by their absence can never truly be filled. Leszek Kopeć will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and artists.
