Winners of the 64th Krakow Film Festival
DRAGON OF DRAGONS AWARD
for the contribution to the development of the world documentary film: GODFREY REGGIO (USA)
DRAGON OF DRAGONS AWARD
for the contribution to the development of the world documentary film: JACEK PETRYCKI (Poland)
KFF RECOMMENDATION to the European Film Award in a documentary category
SILENT TREES, dir. Agnieszka Zwiefka (Polska)
INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Having watched all the competitive films the International Documentary Jury of the 64th Krakow Film Festival consisting of: Nick Read – chairman (Great Britain), Margje de Koning (Netherlands), Eliza Kubarska (Poland), Monica Lazurean-Gorgan (Romania), Dragan von Petrovic (Serbia) has decided to award the following prizes:
THE GOLDEN HORN for the directors of the best film – Askold Kurov and Anonymous 1 for Of Caravan and the Dogs (Germany)
Observing the relentless countdown to the war in Ukraine in early 2022, Of Caravans and the Dogs is a unique film of record. It captures not only a moment in history, but also the untold efforts of embattled Russian journalists and activists in defending press freedoms and human rights. This exquisitely crafted, important film captured the jury’s respect and we have no hesitation in recommending it to international audiences.
THE SILVER HORN for the director of the film with high artistic merit – Tomasz Wolski for A Year in the Life of the Country (Poland)
A Year in the Life of the Country takes the story of a remarkable chapter in Polish history – 1980-81 & the emergence of the Solidarity movement – and gives it new meaning. The masterful editing craft on display: the pacing, score, soundscape and narrative design seriously impressed the jury. The film stimulates a range of emotional responses, from humour to empathy & outrage, making distant history more vital & relevant to audiences today.
THE SILVER HORN for the director of the film on social issues – Oksana Karpovych for Intercepted (Canada, France, Ukraine)
With its distinctive aesthetic approach, we predict Intercepted is a film that will live long in the memory of audiences. Recordings of mobile phone conversations between Russian conscripts and family members create the image of a fractured society. Mothers, sisters and partners become complicit in the banality of evil. Powerful cinematic images of broken landscapes these same soldiers witnessed in Ukraine frame the audio, forming a compelling & original perspective on the present conflict.
SPECIAL MENTION
The jury wanted to show their admiration for Silent Trees, a film that addresses the risks and trauma refugees experience on the edge of Europe, on the borders of Poland. Focusing on the emotions of a single Kurdish Iraqi teenager who shoulders responsibility for all her family, the filmmakers found an eloquent and powerful protagonist. Her inner emotional life is imagined in artful animated sequences, but most of all the jury was impressed by the elegant and sensitive cinematography.
The FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) Jury consisting of: Ziva Emersic (Slovenia), Rafał Marszałek (Poland), Hannes Wesselkaemper (Germany) has decided to award the International Film Critics Prize to Oksana Karpovych for Intercepted (Canada, France, Ukraine)
For it’s skillful and innovative fusion of audio material and visual presentation of the complexity of the war. The story about the people who found themselves in the downward spiral of war horrors and the damage of war propaganda accomplishes to bring a genuine message of humanity across.
INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Having watched all the competition films, the International Short Film Jury consisting of: Corina Schwingruber-Ilić – chairperson (Switzerland), Toril Simonsen (Norway), Heinz Hermans (Germany) and Tomek Popakul (Poland) has decided to award the following prizes:
GOLDEN DRAGON for the director of the best film – Akihito Izuhara for Kawauso (Japan)
Pure piece of art that is both minimalist and maximalist. Mysterious poetic movie that stops us for a moment of powerful silence for meditation about the relationship between human civilization and nature.
SILVER DRAGON for the director of the best documentary film – Ivan Zahínos for Don Benjamín (Spain)
Story about a local community defending their home and home of all of us.By example of the unbreakable spirit of the main character this uplifting movie brings back belief in humankind, tears to your eyes and some hope to your heart.
SILVER DRAGON for the director of the best animated film – Seung-Hee Jung for Dark Cloud Memories (South Korea)
Creative depiction of madness of our nowaday’s reality and unreality that everyone can relate to. Dystopia can be very colorful.
SILVER DRAGON for the director of the best short fiction film – Anna Korom for Diamond Beauty (Hungary)
Unique, emotionally and visually intense film, repulsing and charming at the same time, tells the story with a twisted sense of humour but also with respect and empathy to its characters.
Jury Award for the Best European Film (Krakow Candidate to the European Film Award 2023 in the short film category) – Mohammed Almughanni for An Orange from Jaffa (Poland, Palestinian Territory, France)
Greatly acted, consciously modest story packed into the interior of one car. Showing oppressive reality where a simple everyday situation turns into struggle deserving a short drama movie.
While watching movies in peace and safety, which should be a basic human right, as a jury we call to stop the killing and end occupation of Palestine, and both sides and world community to seek a peaceful solution.
The International Federation of Film Societies (FICC) Jury consisting of Holger Twele (Germany), Cristina Rius Sanclimens (Spain), Paweł Herman (Poland) has decided to grant the Don Quixote Award to the film Buzz of the Earth directed by Greta Stocklassa (Czech Republic) and the Special Mention to the film: On the 8th Day directed by Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois (France).
For proving the importance of comedy in difficult times. For creating an universal and engaging portrait of modern world problems. For asking important questions like: what does it mean to be a human? What defines us as a species? And does it even matter? The FICC jury presents the main award to the film Buzz of the Earth by Greta Stocklassa.
The FICC jury gives a special mention to the animation film On the 8th Day from Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin & Théo Duhautois. This colorful film deals very clearly with the pollution and destruction of nature, creatures and mankind as well. The animation technique is really fascinating and the teamwork of 5 young students will have a great future.
INTERNATIONAL DOCFILMMUSIC COMPETITION
Having watched all the competition films, the International DocFilmMusic Competition Jury consisting of: Matej Bobrik – chairman (Slovakia/Poland), Ana Sofia Fonseca (Portugal), Michał Fojcik (Poland) has decided to award the following prizes:
GOLDEN HEYNAL for the directors of the best film – Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer for Teaches of Peaches (Germany)
This film is an amazing journey to the life of someone that shows us the power of fighting for our rights, bringing to the stage important issues like women empowerment, sexual freedom and aging even when these subjects were not popular. The film impresses for its authenticity.
NATIONAL COMPETITION
Having watched all the competition films, the National Competition Jury – Short Films consisting of: Jacek Borcuch – chairman, Joanna Łapińska, Julia Orlik has decided to award the following prizes:
GOLDEN HOBBY-HORSE for the director of the best fiction film – Julia Sadowska for Comme Des Cowboys (Poland)
For an intimate and evocative cinematic narrative. For the personal voice of the author, who, without relying on the subject matter, opens the door to the world of her own sensitivity.
GOLDEN HOBBY-HORSE for the director of the best documentary film – Kacper Świtalski for Tiger Soup (Poland)
For telling a story about seizing life. For showing us that an extraordinary adventure can be just around the corner. Its lush, colour-saturated cinematography takes us on a journey that knows no limits, carried by the simplest yet most important emotions.
GOLDEN HOBBY-HORSE for the director of the best animated film – Piotr Milczarek for There Will Be No Other End (Poland)
For making a satire full of original humour which exposes the flaws of contemporary society.
Special Mention of the Wrocław Feature Film Studio for the first or second short feature film for Ewa Borysewicz for The Miracle (Poland)
For crafting a skilful and precise combination of animation and live-action film, creating an unconventional aesthetic and narrative form.
SPECIAL MENTION for the director – Elżbieta Benkowska for The Power of Resistance (Poland)
For an engaging story about freedom in times when the courage to say “NO” came at a great price.
Having watched all the competition films, the National Competition Jury – Documentary Films consisting of: Piotr Śliskowski – chairman, Marta Minorowicz, Joanna Ostrowska has decided to award the following prizes:
GOLDEN HOBBY-HORSE for the director of the best documentary film above 30 minutes – Agnieszka Zwiefka for Silent Trees (Poland, Germany, Denmark)
For a story that is a complete work. For a film where a refugee is a human being and not an empty media topic. For a poignant record of pain, despair, rejection, and lack of acceptance, but at the same time for a film that gives hope. The Golden Hobby-Horse goes to Agnieszka Zwiefka for the film Silent Trees.
Best Cinematography Award under the patronage of The Polish Society of Cinematographers funded by Black Photon – Aliaksandr Tsymbaliuk for the film Koka (Poland)
For an extremely intimate portrayal of characters living on the coast of the Bering Sea and for exceptional cinematography that creates an unparalleled atmosphere of a deeply tense and tender story.
Maciej Szumowski Award for remarkable social awareness patronized by ZAIKS – Grzegorz Brzozowski for Only Day And Night (Poland)
For an extraordinary sense of historical timing and sensitivity in portraying the protagonists in a situation of collective danger, whose result is an exceptionally modern and – simultaneously – universal story about every one of us.
SPECIAL MENTION for Runa Husni – the protagonists of the film Silent Trees (Poland)
Special Mention for the protagonist of the film Silent Trees – for Runa Husni – for inviting the filmmakers into her private world.
Having watched all the competition films, the National Competition Jury – both Short and Documentary Films have decided to award the following prizes:
The Award of the President of the Polish Filmmakers Association for the best film editing – Aleksandra Rosset – Żak for The Miracle (Poland)
For intricately and precisely blending the worlds of live-action and animation, resulting in an incredibly touching and gentle story.
The Award for the best short and documentary films producer in Poland funded by the Polish Producers Alliance (KIPA) and FDR Studio – Anna Bławut-Mazurkiewicz (Aura Films) for the film Everything Needs to Live (Poland, Ukraine)
For recognition of her extremely courageous production and organizational work and in gratitude for co-creating one of the most moving films about the horrors of contemporary armed conflict and the dedication in defending the rights of those most in need.
THE AUDIENCE AWARD
Everything Needs to Live directed by Tetiana Dorodnitsyna i Andrii Lytvynenko (Poland, Ukraine)
THE AWARD OF THE STUDENT JURY
Having watched all the competitive films, the Student Jury consisting of Zuzanna Adamowicz, Aleksandra Bester, Wiktoria Gornowicz, Artur Guzik, Jędrzej Kościński, Agnieszka Kozera-Kotowska, Roman Kraiński, Sandra Meyer, Kinga Modzelewska, Paula Olszańska, Mariia Pechenizka-Tkachova, Krzysztof Strumiński has decided to award film Omar and Cedric: If This Ever Gets Weird (Germany) directed by Nicolas Jack Davies.
For a gripping reflection on the power of music and friendship in the face of adversity in the form of stimulants, burnout and scientology.
KFF INDUSTRY – ANIMATED IN POLAND I DOC LAB POLAND AWARDS 2024
ANIMATED IN POLAND AWARDS
SOUND MIND STUDIO Award – a coupon for 10 days of sound post-production for the project The Beetle, dir. Kacper Bukartyk, Zuzanna Fluder, prod. Krzysztof Kuźnicki / Stowarzyszenie Kamera
FIXAFILM Award – a coupon for image post‑production services worth 10 000 PLN for the project Love Strike, dir. Klaudia Prabucka, prod. Paulina Ratajczak / FUNDACJA LAS SZTUKI, MUNK STUDIO – POLISH FILMMAKERS ASSOCIATION
WFF – Wrocław Feature Film Studio Special Mention – an in-kind contribution: lending equipment and infrastructure and performing selected services worth 30 000 PLN for the project The Beetle, dir. Kacper Bukartyk, Zuzanna Fluder, prod. Krzysztof Kuźnicki / Stowarzyszenie Kamera
CREW UNITED Special Mention — a 3‑years’ Premium membership to Crew United platform for the director and producer of the awarded project for the project The Pearl Against Sun, dir. Karolina Walas, prod. Robert Sowa/ Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków
DOC LAB POLAND AWARDS
FOR THE PROJECTS PRESENTED AT DOCS TO GO:
Institute of Documentary Film Special Mention – invitation to East Doc Platform for the project Isabella, dir. Joanna Janikowska, prod. Anna Gawlita, Marta Szymanowska / Kijora Film
Polish Docs Pro Special Mention – support of international promotion and invitation to one of the key world documentary industry event for the project The World is Not (A) Mine, dir. Natalia Koniarz, prod. Maciej Kubicki / TELEMARK
FOR THE PROJECTS PRESENTED AT DOCS TO START:
CANAL+ Award – 12 000 PLN in cash for the project Theory of Survival, dir. Paweł Chorzępa, prod. Joanna Chorzępa / Bees Film House
FINA Award — in-kind: archival materials worth of 50 000 PLN for the project Theory of Survival, dir. Paweł Chorzępa, prod. Joanna Chorzępa/ Bees Film House
Special Mention WFF – Wroclaw Feature Film for the project How I Became a Hijacker, dir. Andrew Carter, prod. by Aleksandra Szczęsna / Hasko Film
FIXAFILM Award — image post-production services worth of 15 000 PLN for the project Theory of Survival, dir. Paweł Chorzępa, prod. Joanna Chorzępa / Bees Film House
MX35 Award — film equipment rental services worth of 10 000 PLN for the project How I Became a Hijacker, dir. Andrew Carter, prod. Aleksandra Szczęsna / Hasko Film
Multilab / Krakow Technology Park Award for the project En Garde, dir. Mateusz Wajda, prod. by Paweł Ziemilski / MX35
DOK LEIPZIG Special Mention — invitation to Co pro Meetings in Leipzig for the project Entr’actes, dir. Yuriy Shylov, prod. Olha Tuharinova / Alarm Productions
FIPADOC Special Mentions — invitation as a guest project to FIPADOC Industry for the projects In the Circle, dir. by Michał Bielawski, prod. Maciej Kubicki /Telemark and for the project Waltz from the Well, dir. Tymon Nogalski, prod. Sławomir Richert, Katarzyna Tymusz /WARSAW PRODUCTION TEAM
IDFA Special Mention — invitation as a guest project to IDFA Forum for the project My Dear Vira, dir. Maryna Brodovska and Olga Chernykh, prod. Olga Chernykh and Nataliia Sukach / COSMOS AGENCY