Poland’s New Horizons International Film Festival has appointed Dorota Lev as its new festival director.
A Polish-born film curator, script consultant, and author, Lech has been working at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) since 2013, where he leads the Discovery program and selects films from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
She has curated retrospectives and special screenings at institutions such as the Academy of Motion Picture Museum in Los Angeles, the Museum of the Moving Image in New York, and the TIFF Cinematheque. She is also a visiting lecturer at the Lodz Film School, New York University, and Harvard University’s Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies. As a freelance writer, he has contributed to Film Quarterly, MUBI Notebook, and Vanity Fair.
“I hope that by returning to this region, my knowledge and connections will better support us in bringing films from this part of the world to North America,” she told Variety.
Lech’s family immigrated to Canada from Poland when she was a child.
“I learned English and French by watching movies and TV. For several years when I couldn’t return home, I visited Poland through movies,” she said. “The movie theater has always been my home and my second home.”
She is no stranger to Wroclaw-based events.
“I have been a not-so-secret fan for many years and it is no exaggeration to say that this festival is truly my favorite festival in the world. I am from Lower Silesia in the south-west, where this festival is held, and I have fond memories of the early editions before I started working in film,” she recalled.
“From the perspective of a local who currently works in the industry, I was shocked when this position, previously held by my dear friend Marcin Pienkowski, became available. This is my dream job and I can’t believe I inherited such a gem!”
She intends to “preserve the spirit of this beloved event, uplifting the artists, and continuing to engage our loyal audience with the same integrity as in years past.”
“One of the benefits of being an immigrant, at least in my case, is that I learned from an early age to adapt to change and see it as a positive force. For me, this new adventure presents possibilities for professional and personal growth, and I’m excited to discover where that path leads.”
Lech will now lead a curatorial team consisting of co-artistic directors Maugorzata Sadowska and Ewa Szabłowska. Together with Weronika Chonowska, she will oversee the development and growth of industry programs, including the flagship event Poland Days, and will collaborate with Ulla Sniegowska, director of NHIFF’s sister event, the American Film Festival.
“We have a great team of women at New Horizons Association,” she said, also mentioning NH Distribution Label Head Paulina Jarosevic, Production Director Alicia Kowalska and Finance Director Joanna Staros.
“Of course, it really takes a village, a village of about 80 people, to run a world-class organization like this, so there are many more people, including men and non-binary people.”
He added: “We can confidently say that Poland has a great history of storytelling, artistry and craftsmanship, has endless potential and emerging talent, and that the conditions are right for these forces to collide.”
“Having the opportunity to sit down with legendary founder Romain Gutek and discuss the tapestry of our industry, I am humbled by its rich history and how many national artists and films we can draw inspiration from. I can only hope that our filmmakers feel the same way, inspired and motivated.”
Gutek said Lech’s curatorial and festival experience, international connections and openness to collaboration will “ensure the continuation of the festival’s original vision and development.”
“I am confident in its future. The New Horizons International Film Festival is in good hands.”
The next 26th festival will be held from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
