Życie dla początkujących

Director: Paweł Podolski
Script: Paweł Podolski, Lynn Kucharczyk
Cinematography: Ernest Wilczyński
Editing: Piasek & Wójcik
Music: Hubert Walkowski
Producers: Anna Wereda, Alicja Gancarz
Cast: Magdalena Maścianica, Michał Sikorski, Bartłomiej Kotschedoff, Małgorzata Rożniatowska, Wojciech Machnicki, Jolanta Wołłejko-Plucińska, Katarzyna Skolimowska, Antoni Syrek-Dąbrowski, Agnieszka Kudelska

Poland 2025
76′

language: polish
subtitles: —

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with actress Magdalena Maścianica.

Introverted Monia (the first leading role of Magdalena Maścianica) is a vampire. Her job in a nursing home allows her to feed unnoticed, in sanitary conditions, on the blood taken from deceased patients, while limiting her human interactions to conversations with seniors suffering from dementia. She feels safe and could probably go on like this for a long time—until a certain mortal, Czarek (Michał Sikorski), crosses her path.

He is the first person to discover Monia’s secret, but chooses not to reveal it to anyone. At the same time, disturbing events begin to unfold at the facility. Bite marks are found on the bodies of deceased patients. Could it be that Monia has forgotten her precautions and decided to go all in?

Paweł Podolski’s feature debut sheds new light on Polish vampire cinema. Its original sense of humor combined with a reflection on the fragility of life and the refusal to accept passing away creates a truly explosive mix.

The phrase Polish vampire comedy used to give me chills, though not necessarily out of excitement. Thanks to Paweł Podolski’s film, that has fortunately changed!

Kuba Armata, Kino

A subtle comedy about the shy vampire Monia is, contrary to appearances, not aimed at fans of Twilight or Dracula, but rather those who enjoy mood-lifting films like Amélie. It’s worth seeing once it hits cinemas.

Marta Rogacewicz, Twój Styl

Polish cinema hasn’t seen anything this bold, original, and charming in a long time. Życie dla początkujących surprises with its concept, form, and content. Vampires, who usually appear on screen in horror films, here become flesh-and-blood protagonists—with a wink. It’s not only an unusual comedy but also a story about life, courage, and second chances.

Martyna Janasik, Interia.pl

In Polish cinema, it’s rare to find something so unconventional. Życie dla początkujących is a film that manages to combine seemingly contradictory elements: nostalgia, difficult themes, humor, and even vampires. It may sound strange, but it works surprisingly well.

Amelia Figiela, naEkranie.pl

Competition 1,2