The Polish Film Institute Awards are a distinguished honour in the film industry, acknowledging the work of individuals and institutions not directly involved in film production. Awarded since 2008, these are the only Polish accolades aimed at highlighting achievements that facilitate the development of Polish cinema, promotion of its legacy, and making it easier for the public to access Polish film artistry. The trophy itself was designed by Kraków-based sculptor Xavery Deskur. Winners also receive a cash prize of PLN 15,000.
The Krakow Film Foundation, established in 2003 by Krzysztof Gierat through Apollo Film, aims to organise events that popularise film and support film production.
Beyond organising the Krakow Film Festival, the Foundation’s primary activities include promoting Polish films domestically and internationally, supporting high-quality audiovisual creations, stimulating the professional and artistic development of Polish filmmakers, and organising special screenings, workshops, seminars, discussions, and other events that foster networking, experience-sharing, and discourse on contemporary film culture.
As part of its comprehensive promotion of Polish documentaries, short fiction films, and animated films abroad, the Foundation manages three projects co-funded by the Polish Film Institute: Polish Docs, Polish Shorts, and Polish Animations. These initiatives serve to promote Polish cinema and encompass maintaining websites, organising and managing Polish stands at film fairs, arranging screenings of Polish films abroad, and preparing online film bundles for foreign professionals. The Foundation also supports Polish producers and directors by facilitating their participation in Polish delegations promoting documentary or short film projects at international pitching events, presentations, and film fairs.
Through its KFF Sales & Promotion agency, the Foundation handles festival services for Polish documentaries, short animated films, and short fiction films. Since 2016, it has also been involved in selling Polish documentaries to international markets.
The Krakow Film Foundation relies on funding and grants from public and private institutions and collaborates with numerous organisations both in Poland and abroad.
Promoting Polish cinema on an international, industry level is one of the most important tasks of KFF Industry, which is held during the Krakow Film Festival. It hosts three international pitch sessions – Animated in Poland, Docs to Start, and Docs to Go. Each serves as a stepping stone into the world and aims to promote Polish projects among foreign industry professionals. It’s at KFF Industry where important festival selectors (including from Cannes, Locarno, Berlinale, Sundance, IDFA, Hot Docs, CPH DOX, or Clermont – Ferrand) are looking for new films.
The Krakow Film Festival is on the exclusive list of film events qualifying for the Oscars® in short film categories (fiction, animation, documentary) and feature-length documentary; for the European Film Awards in the same categories; and for the BAFTA Awards.
The 65th Krakow Film Festival is scheduled to take place from 25 May to 1 June 2025 and online on KFF VOD from 30 May to 15 June.