Focus: Theme is a competition in which we pay special attention to the content of the film and the way in which the authors talk about the problems they present in their films. Short films very quickly respond to current trends and phenomena, and often pave new paths for full-lengths. In this competition can be found many themes that trigger both local and global discussions. We hope that the films we have selected will help us understand different points of view on a complicated reality.

Pavane, dir. Pauline Gay (France) 2023, 26’, 15+

For 30 years, Cora has woken up every morning at 4 a.m. to go to her factory job and raise her daughter, Alex, who went to Paris to become a filmmaker. She is approaching retirement and wants her child to finally abandon her risky career path, but Alex is currently preparing her first film.

Film presented at the Busan IFF. Polish premiere.

On Tracks, dir. Itai Kerem, Roni Vainer (Izrael) 2023, 20’, 15+

Three army buddies party in Tel Aviv. Their good time is spoiled by the theft of a bag in which one of them had stored a large amount of drugs. The men decide to recover the stolen property.

Film presented at the Woodstock FF. Polish premiere.

Street Casting, dir. Tatiana Vialle (France) 2023, 18’, 13+

Alex is hired by a production company to conduct a street casting, i.e. searching for potential actors on the streets. His task is to find a young Sudanese for an important role.

Film presented at the IFF in Namur. Polish premiere.

There Is No End to This Story, dir. Cosima Frei (Switzerland) 2023, 18’, 13+

Mena feels empty after a breakup. Before leaving Berlin, she strolls through the city, meeting strangers who give her advice on building healthy relationships.

Film awarded at the Winterthur IFF. Polish premiere