A young jockey, Krzysiek, played by Tomasz Ziętek, dreams of a sports career. He wants to take part in the most important race in the country – the Great Warsaw Race. However, the main character collides with the brutal reality in which dependencies, interests and manipulation of results rule. Will he be able to remain himself and change the prevailing system in a world of corruption and foul play?
Races, love, corruption
“Great Warsaw” takes place in a time when communism was falling and society looked to the future with hope, just like the main character. When the film’s Krzysiek gets a chance and rides Arcos, everything changes.
– I was convinced that it would be some kind of challenge for me, at the level of personal development. At least because of the horses, which, I must admit, I didn’t trust much before the movie. I’m not talking about fear here, but definitely apprehension. I wouldn’t decide to go horse riding on my own. But my work helps me overcome my fears. And that was the case here. So I’m very happy that I had the chance to experience all this. – says Tomasz Ziętek.
The creation process
“Great Warsaw” is one of the largest cinema productions in Poland carried out in 2025. The photos lasting approximately 4 months mainly immortalize the Służewiec Track in Warsaw. Nearly 3,000 people showed up on the set. extras. The production featured vintage cars from the era, and some of the costumes were imported from abroad.
– “Great Warsaw” immediately caught my attention because of its personal notes – I love racing, I love gambling films, I wanted to make such a film. – says producer Alicja Grawon-Jaksik. She added that arranging the shooting calendar at Tor, where events take place almost constantly, was extremely difficult in terms of logistics. In addition, there were restrictions related to the conservation protection of the facility. Thanks to the hard work of the entire team, realistic and dynamic shots of chases were created that keep the viewer in suspense.
Stars on the big screen
In addition to Tomasz Ziętek (Krzysztof Salomon), the film adaptation will also feature film stars such as: Tomasz Kot (playing the role of a racehorse owner from Sopot), Agnieszka Żulewska as a gambler trying to cope with dangerous debts, Tomasz Sapryk as a racehorse trainer, Ireneusz Czop (Krzysztof’s father), Mirosław Kopielnicki as “Major”, the mafia boss, Andrzej Konopka as a bookmaker from Służewiec, Marcin Bosak as a gangster nicknamed “Omar” and Piotr Trojan as an experienced jockey. The role of Ewa Kłos, the main character’s friend, was played by Mary Pawłowska, making her debut on the big screen.
– I felt that I was really lucky that this film came to me. First, something resonated within me, I knew something about this world. Secondly, it is a very intriguing mix of custom and sensations from the gangster underworld. But the film is primarily about interpersonal relationships in difficult times. We have a wide range of characters there and I’m grateful to the actors for what they created. And I’m also happy with my intuition that those I fought for did great there. – adds the director.
The sponsor of the material is Next Film, the distributor of the film Wielka Warszawska
