During the Toruń City Council meeting on October 10, 2019, a unanimous decision was made, according to which the European Film Center CAMERIMAGE is to start its official operation on January 1, 2020. This decision also opened the way for the permanent transfer of the Camerimage Festival to Toruń and its uninterrupted organization for at least the next 20 years, as well as for the transfer of land in Toruń's Jordanki area with a total of ​​1.8 ha for the construction of the Center's seat.

Marek Żydowicz, who was present at the meeting, convinced the gathered councilors that supporting the creation of the Center is an ideal way to promote Toruń, thanks to which the city has a unique opportunity to re-appear in world culture, not only in film.  

I believe that a film industry will emerge in this region and that we will finally be able to show what we can do.

Marek Żydowicz, President of Tumult Foundation and director of Camerimage Film Festival

After the meeting ended, the councilors participating commented that the organization of the Camerimage Festival and the construction of the European Film Center CAMERIMAGE in Toruń was a great opportunity for the city to return to the first league of the most important cultural centers in the world, and thus the investment steps taken in this direction are worth the investment risk. 

(The Center) will be a window to the world; on the one hand, the possibility of enjoying  the highest-level culture by the people of our city and region, but also an excellent showcase of Toruń. I would like to remind you that according to the industry media and to people known not only in the world of film, this festival (Camerimage) is one of the few reasons why it is worth visiting our country during the year.

Wojciech Klabun, Chairman of the Law and Justice Councilors' Club

All the big things that require care and investment are some kind of challenge for the city. The festival (Camerimage) does involve large expenses, but on the other hand it is a very large brand recognizable in the world and all over Europe, which is worth having here in Toruń.

Paweł Gulewski , Chairman of the Club of Councilors of the Civic Coalition

It would be a sin not to take advantage of such an opportunity, i.e. from the state subsidy in the amount of PLN 400 million. Of course, as a city, we contribute one third, but we also have the option of reducing this contribution by applying for EU funds.

Jarosław Beszczyński, Chairman of the Michał Zaleski KWW Club Councilors

The October meeting of the City Council paved the way for another of the required resolutions on the City of Toruń’s participation in co-financing of the construction of the Center's seat in the amount of PLN 200 million, spread over the years 2021-2025, and thus entering the investment in the Long-Term Financial Forecast of the City.

In the photo: Marek Żydowicz during the meeting of the City Council [photo ECF CAMERIMAGE archive]