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106m
POLFF26: THE ALTAR BOYS
Book Tickets
Synopsis
Australian Premiere
Ministranci
From the producers of the Oscar-nominated “Corpus Christi” and a standout at the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia, where the film won eight awards, including the Golden Lions for Best Film and the Audience Award, The Altar Boys is a rebellious coming-of-age story about friendship, faith and the messy business of growing up.
Bold, funny and unexpectedly moving coming-of-age story directed by award-winning filmmaker Piotr Domalewski (Silent Night PFF 2018, I Never Cry PFF 2021 - Audience Award), it follows four teenage altar boys who, frustrated by the indifference of adults towards social injustice, decide to take matters into their own hands. Their well-intentioned mission to help those in need and punish those they believe deserve it soon takes an increasingly dangerous turn. As their actions spiral out of control, the boys are forced to question what they believe, who they want to become and where the line between right and wrong really lies.
With its sharp humour, youthful energy and an affectionate but unflinching look at growing up, The Altar Boys is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Polish with English subtitles
Festivals & Awards
Polish Film Festival in Gdynia, 2025 | WINNER: Golden Lions – Best Film, Best Screenplay, Audience Award
Polish Film Awards (Orły), 2026 | WINNER: Best Screenplay & Audience Award
Art Film Fest, Košice, 2026 | WINNER: Audience Award
Giffoni Film Festival, 2026 | WINNER: Best Film – 13+ Competition
Zlín Film Festival, 2026 | WINNER: Golden Slipper – Best Youth Film, Ecumenical Jury Prize
Mastercard OFF CAMERA, 2026 | WINNER: Audience Award, Rising Star – Best Acting Debut
Camerimage, 2025 | WINNER: Best Cinematography – Polish Films Competition
3Kino Polish Film Festival, Prague, 2025 | WINNER: Audience Award
Polish Film Festival in Gdynia, 2025 | WINNER: Award of Polish Film Festivals and Reviews Abroad & Golden Kangaroo
Kosciuszko Foundation Polish Film Festival, Washington, D.C., 2026 | WINNER: Best Film & Audience Award
Opening Date
Sunday, Nov 1, 2026
Rating
CTC
Length
106m
Reviews
Funny, sharp and touching, the film gently and subtly confronts the harshness of the adult world with the ideals of youth
First and foremost an accomplished film about friendship and a surprising ‘coming of age’ tale
If you ask me what truly elevates The Altar Boys to top-tier Coming-of-Age cinema, it is the combination of a strikingly distinctive plot and its astonishingly authentic portrayal of youth
A film that draws you in, moves you and intrigues you — and stays in conversation long after the credits roll. The young actors are outstanding
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