First Trailer for 'Chopin' Biopic Movie Starring Polish Actor Eryk Kulm

The latest cinematic portrayal of the legendary composer Frédéric Chopin takes center stage with the unveiling of the official trailer for the biographical film titled "Chopin." Directed by Polish filmmaker Michal Kwiecinski, the production explores the final years of Chopin's life, focusing chiefly on his time in Paris during the 1830s.

Set against the backdrop of a turbulent Europe in 1835, the narrative captures Chopin at the height of his fame as a celebrated pianist and composer. At 25 years old, he is depicted navigating the elite social circles of Paris, where his musical genius earns him acclaim from aristocrats and royalty alike. Yet beyond the public adulation, the film delves into his private battles with declining health and the emotional weight of exile from his native Poland.

The portrayal of Chopin is entrusted to Polish actor Eryk Kulm, whose depiction aims to convey the complexity of the artist’s character—his passion for music, his romantic entanglements, and his physical fragility. The film includes significant figures from Chopin's life, such as George Sand, played by Joséphine de La Baume, and fellow composer Franz Liszt, portrayed by Victor Meutelet. Supporting roles feature prominent actors including Maja Ostaszewska, Karolina Gruszka, and Lambert Wilson as the King.

Michal Kwiecinski, known for his work on various Polish films and television series, brings a meticulous attention to historical detail, striving to authentically recreate the period’s ambiance. The screenplay by Bartosz Janiszewski underpins the film’s exploration of Chopin not only as a musical innovator but also as a figure embodying the melancholy and longing tied to his homeland.

The story illustrates how Chopin’s worsening tuberculosis limits his physical capabilities, rendering his performances increasingly frail. Despite this, his creative output during these years remains profound, as he channels his emotions into compositions that have since become timeless.

Initially premiering at the 2025 Gdynia Polish Film Festival, the film has already seen a domestic release in Poland during the fall season. Rialto Distribution has announced plans to introduce the film to American audiences in 2026, broadening access to this artistic interpretation of Chopin’s life and legacy.

This production has drawn comparisons to acclaimed biographical films like "Amadeus," aiming to present Chopin as a charismatic and enigmatic figure whose impact on classical music was both revolutionary and deeply personal. Through its portrayal of his relationships, societal engagements, and artistic struggles, the film seeks to illuminate the man behind the enduring compositions.

While the trailer provides a glimpse of the film’s tone and visual style, further details about the release schedule and distribution remain limited. Nonetheless, the emergence of this biopic contributes to ongoing cultural interest in Chopin’s story, offering audiences a new lens through which to appreciate his contributions to music and the poignant circumstances of his final years.