Bitcoin enthusiasts from all over the world gathered in Warsaw, Poland, from April 18 to 21 for a weekend filled with movies, networking, group activities, and the highly anticipated Bitcoin halving event.
The second edition of the family-friendly Bitcoin FilmFest showcased several film premieres and screenings, including a biopic of Carl Menger, the founder of the Austrian school of economics and considered the “grandfather of Bitcoin.” Another film, “Gods of Their Own Religion,” depicted a dystopian future where a city lives under the control of a technocratic empire. “Dirty Coin” addressed the misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin and its reputation as a “dirty coin” due to energy consumption and alleged involvement in illegal activities, among others.
The Bitcoin FilmFest took place at the iconic Kinoteka venue, which was transformed into a Bitcoin-themed theater. The festival was held in Warsaw’s renowned Palace of Culture and Science, a striking example of Stalinist-Gothic architecture known locally as “Stalin’s Palace.” The building serves as a reminder of Poland’s tumultuous history, having endured over 50 years of repressive communist rule.
The palace symbolizes the grandeur and propaganda of the Soviet era. Built amidst the ruins of post-World War II Warsaw, it stands as a testament to the struggles faced by its residents. As such, it was a fitting venue for an event focused on educating about Bitcoin and promoting a decentralized economy outside of the government-controlled fiat system.
The festival also featured the documentary “My Trust in You is Broken,” which highlights the dangers of relying on trusted third parties and chronicles the story of decentralization, with a focus on Nicolas Dorier’s contribution to the Bitcoin ecosystem. Dorier’s innovation, the BTCPay Server, played a significant role in advancing Bitcoin acceptance worldwide. Additionally, there were short films and mini-documentaries, such as “Lekker Feeling,” which showcased how Bitcoin Ekasi partnered with a local surfing group in Mossel Bay, South Africa, to create new opportunities with Bitcoin.
According to Bitcoin FilmFest co-founder Tomek Kolodziejczuk, the event has evolved beyond just showcasing movies about Bitcoin. It now includes satellite meetups, networking events, and leisure activities for all attendees, including children. Each morning, the festival hosted an “Amondo morning,” which consisted of a cinema meetup for kids and young people. On April 21, there was a “Cartoonfest,” featuring short films and cartoons with narratives about Bitcoin and sound economics.
One of the satellite events, “Sats4Flats,” catered to Bitcoin and real estate professionals and involved discussions on Bitcoin, real estate, and tokenization. Participants also shared investment opportunities in real estate and brainstormed ways to make purchases using Bitcoin. The Sats4Flats event marked the launch of a new Bitcoin real estate community in Poland, with presentations from special guests.
A highlight of the weekend was the Bitcoin halving event, which occurs every four years and reduces the block reward for Bitcoin miners. This event reinforces Bitcoin’s scarcity and deflationary nature. The festival featured a “European Halving Party” where attendees celebrated the halving in the early hours of April 20.
Bitcoiners who attended the event expressed their belief that the current system is broken. Many shared stories of how Bitcoin has allowed them to accumulate wealth in a system that no longer benefits the average person. This sentiment was widespread throughout the event, leading people to question the flaws of the fiat system and explore alternatives such as Bitcoin.
Kolodziejczuk stated that the long-term plan is to continue growing and building a Bitcoin culture. The organizers intend to keep the event in Warsaw and believe there is untapped potential, particularly in the traditional film industry. They aim to bridge the gap between Hollywood and legacy filmmakers who are becoming interested in Bitcoin, fostering networking opportunities between producers, investors, and actors.
In conclusion, the Bitcoin FilmFest in Warsaw brought together Bitcoin enthusiasts for a weekend of movies, networking, and activities. The festival showcased a range of films, documentaries, and short films that explored the world of Bitcoin and decentralized finance. The event also included satellite meetups, discussions on Bitcoin and real estate, and a celebration of the Bitcoin halving. Attendees expressed their dissatisfaction with the current system and saw Bitcoin as a potential solution. The organizers plan to continue growing the event and building a Bitcoin culture in Warsaw.