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“Chopin, Chopin!” premieres as lavish biopic of legendary composer

10.10.2025 14:55
A new Polish epic brings to life the story of Fryderyk Chopin - the world-renowned composer born in Poland - capturing his genius, fame, and fragile humanity.
Actor Eryk Kulm at the gala premiere of the film Chopin, Chopin, in which he stars as the brilliant Polish-born composer.
Actor Eryk Kulm at the gala premiere of the film "Chopin, Chopin!", in which he stars as the brilliant Polish-born composer.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Directed by Michał Kwieciński and starring Eryk Kulm in the title role, Chopin, Chopin! premiered in Poland on Friday, coinciding with the ongoing International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw.

Set in Paris in 1835, the film follows the 25-year-old composer at the height of his fame, adored by aristocratic salons and the French king alike.

Viewers see him navigating glittering nights of music and parties, masking his illness with wit while composing some of his greatest works.

To make ends meet, he gives piano lessons and enjoys the admiration of his friends and lovers, before realising that music remains the true centre of his life.

One of the most expensive productions in Polish cinema history

With a budget of nearly 72 million złoty (€16.9 million), the film ranks among the most costly in Poland’s cinematic history.

“I feel that if you make a film about a great Pole, it has to have a European-scale ambition. What pains me is that in Poland people still don’t understand that films like this need significant budgets to resonate internationally,” Kwieciński told Polish Radio, adding that distribution rights have already been sold to 44 countries.

The production took over two years to prepare and four months to shoot across France and Spain, involving more than 600 crew members and thousands of performers. It featured hundreds of period vehicles, over a thousand costumes, and meticulously crafted historical details.

Press kit 

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Source: Polish Radio/PR1