Polish Docs program which was chosen for the audience of the 34th Kassel Documentary Film and Video Festival consists of six short documentary films directed by young, talented, debuting Polish filmmakers.
„Rogalik” by Pawel Ziemilski, filmed in a highly interesting way with no words, is a story about people living in a house in some provincial town. The film has been shown at film festivals around the world and was nominated for the IDFA Award for Student Competition. The similar spirit of a moving story without words can be found in Slawomir Witek's "Last Season", a film produced at the Munk Studio which shows the hardships of sea fishermen's life. The other four movies are interesting propositions from women directors. They were also produced at the Munk Studio which is an institution promoting debuting filmmakers. „Object” by Paulina Skibinska, which was awarded at the Sundance FF, will take your breath away with its visual language.
„Close Ties” by Zofia Kowalewska – which shows a deeply moving story about an elderly married couple that against all odds are trying to save their long-term yet complicated relationship – was also shown at Sundance, awarded the Special Jury Award at IDFA and shortlisted for the Academy Awards. In Kassel film wil be screened not only in Polish Docs program, but also in festival competition.
The two most recent films are: "Polonaise" by Agnieszka Elbanowska, a short story about what patriotism means today, and "Volte" by Monika Kotecka and Karolina Poryzala about young girls practising the most demanding sport – vaulting. Even though they have just begun their festival journey, those films have already won hearts of festival audiences around the world.
The organizer of Polish Docs at Kasser Dokfest is Krakow Film Foundation.
More information available here.