Festiwal filmowy jako doświadczenie. Uczestnictwo, przestrzeń i lokalny wymiar Festiwalu Polskich Filmów Fabularnych w Gdyni

Abstrakt

The purpose of this article is to conceptually link the experience economy model with a reflection on festival space, understood not merely as the backdrop to an event, but as an active co-creator of meanings, emotions, and urban practices. The article examines the Gdynia Film Festival through the lens of the experience economy, focusing on four key dimensions: entertainment, educational, esthetic, and escapist. The festival is more than just a cultural event – it functions as a space for emotional engagement, identity formation, and social interaction. Based on 59 in-depth interviews, the study reveals that attendees value the unique atmosphere, film selection, and opportunities for learning and connection. Particular attention is given to a critical adaptation of the experience economy concept, emphasizing the diversity of festival experiences and their role in shaping a place’s symbolic and economic value. The study underscores the importance of inclusive, immersive design and critically reflects on the commercialisation of cultural experiences.