At the 34th edition of the ToruńCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival, we will present “The Idiots”, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers and cast. Special guests attending the festival will include Małgorzata Szumowska, Michał Englert, Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn. The film will be screened on 12 November 2026 at 8:00 PM.
“The Idiots” tells the story of Fyodor and Anna, newlyweds whose European honeymoon takes them to Baden. What was meant to be a romantic getaway unexpectedly turns into a turbulent, years-long stay. Facing one challenge after another, the couple attempt to create the conditions in which Fyodor can write his future masterpiece - “The Idiot”.
The film takes viewers into the world of two people whose love is put to the test, as their personal experiences and the twists and turns of life intertwine with the story behind the creation of one of the most important works of literature.
“The Idiots” had its world premiere in September 2026 at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, where it received an enthusiastic response from international critics. Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s film was subsequently presented in the Special Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival and, on 24 September, opened the 34th Filmfest Hamburg, celebrating its European premiere.
The film was also selected for the main competition of the 70th BFI London Film Festival, one of Europe’s most important film festivals. Only ten titles from around the world were selected to compete for the Best Film Award.
The film’s international journey has also included festivals such as AFI FEST in Los Angeles, Rome Film Fest and Bergen International Film Festival. In November, the production will compete in the main competition of the Seville European Film Festival. The film has received excellent reviews, with Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn’s performances attracting particular critical acclaim.
“The Idiots” also opened the Skopje Film Festival, where Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert received the Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award. It was the first festival to honour them together as an extraordinary artistic duo who have been collaborating for almost three decades.
The screening will be introduced by Małgorzata Szumowska, a Polish film director, screenwriter and producer, and Michał Englert, co-director of “The Idiots”, cinematographer and screenwriter. They will be joined by actors Aimee Lou Wood, known for productions such as Sex Education, The White Lotus and Life, and Johnny Flynn, whose credits include MobLand, The Dig and Ripley. Following the screening, a Q&A session will give audiences the opportunity to learn more about the making of the film and the creative collaboration between its filmmakers and cast.
The 34th ToruńCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival will take place on 7-14 November 2026 in Toruń, Poland.
Toruń - ready for the next take! The European Film Center CAMERIMAGE Studio is here.