Between April 18th and 21st, the second annual edition of Bitcoin FilmFest (also dubbed BFF24) unfolded at the iconic Palace of Culture and Science.
However, owing to the significant date in the Bitcoin cycle, known as Halving, the fest was more than just screenings—it turned into a unique celebration, spreading to various spots across Warsaw. Both events, were organized by the same group of people—Bitcoiners, activists, and good friends.
While the program centered around the halving was named European Halving Party, it drew attendees not only from Europe but from all corners of the globe.
Additionally, the impressive Bitcoin laser show on the facade of the Palace of Culture and Science, the 2nd tallest building in Poland, kicking off shortly after midnight following block number 840,000, captured the spotlight of numerous foreign media outlets, sparking discussions far and wide.
Let’s explore what else, besides the laser shows mentioned above, made these two combined events so special.
From Soviet Dominance To Decentralization And Financial Freedom
The main part of BFF24 and Halving Party took place in the palace’s Kinoteka, an exceptional multiplex cinema implanted in the bowels of the Stalinist wedding cake.
For those who may not know, the Palace of Culture and Science (abbreviation PKiN) was erected shortly after the end of World War II and was long viewed more as a symbol of Soviet occupation than as the generous gift from Stalin to the people of Poland.
Bitcoin FilmFest: Sound Money, Great Films
The vibrant part of Bitcoin FilmFest 2024 featured film screenings with 5 world premieres, panels, open debates, and meetings with creators.
To cap it all off, on Sunday, the final day, a semi-official gala was organized as well, where the Golden Rabbit Awards were given for the best films nominated in four categories. The winners were announced as follows:
- Ditry Coin; for Best Movie
- Searching for Satoshi; for Best Story
- HODL; for Best Short
- My Trust In You is Broken; for the Audience Choice award
A Community-Driven Experience
Besides the film screenings, Kinoteka also hosted dynamic sessions led by selected participants on the Community Stage, along with a special segment for younger guests, focused on cartoons and an open stage co-run by children and teenagers.
Alongside these points, attendees also took part in several games, from paper and scissors to a Chain Duel tournament on a large cinematic screen, organized as a part of the Halving Party to introduce new traditions related to Bitcoin’s cyclical nature.
What’s uncommon in buildings like PKiN was the DIRTY COIN pre-premiere cocktail party. Due to the Bitcoin halving happening just a few hours later, the party transformed into a grand celebration in the palace interiors, accompanied by the aforementioned laser show outside the building.
Parties Until Dawn
As Bitcoin surpassed block number 840,000, it signaled a new era in the Bitcoin cycle, offering another entertaining opportunity in the evening.
While not held in Kinoteka, the festivities continued within the iconic walls of the Palace of Culture and Science, particularly at the bar-café Kulturalna, where on April 20th, a large open party took place as part of the overall event program, further commemorating the 4th halving.
All these elements have turned the icon of Warsaw’s architecture, which emerged almost 70 years ago as a gift imposed by Stalin, into a home for sound money and freedom.
Bitcoiners All Over the City
However, the extensive program of both BFF24 and the European Halving Party didn’t solely center around the Palace of Culture and Science; it extended across various nearby locations, offering all guests a comprehensive taste of Warsaw and its attractions.
From retro-bus tours around the city to authentic Polish cuisine at the charming Prodiż Warszawski restaurant, and even cruising down the Vistula River — there was something for everyone.
Additionally, for those seeking an extra thrill, side activities such as a shooting range and laser paintball were also options to take part in. When it comes to fun, education and culture, some of the highlights included:
- Mornings at Kino Amondo: the smallest cinema in Poland, which hosted filmmaker workshops and an extra creative corner, making it an ideal spot for children and adults alike.
- Esoteric sessions at BarBazaar: known as the most Bitcoin-friendly bar in Poland, with Thursday’s live music and captivating visualizations by Roger900 and MadMunky as well as interesting workshops on psychedelics and meditation, which on April 19th seamlessly integrated the theme of Bicycle Day into the festivities of both BFF24 and Halving celebrations.
People, Passion, and Networking
In the official communication conducted by the Bitcoin FilmFest project, whether on the halving website (which contained the entire program of both events) or on the project’s main social media channel on X, there were frequent mentions that BFF and the European Halving Party are not “just another conference, but a cultural experience driven by the community.”
Considering all the points mentioned in this read, it’s hard not to agree with that statement — it wasn’t just a conference, not even just an event, but a 100% experience, built by and for people.
