On May 30, the awards of the 20th Krakow FF Industry were handed out, with the top cash award (the Polish Film Institute Award for a project nearing completion) going to Inner Landscapes directed by Zofia Sawicka. In total, nine Polish and Ukrainian projects were pitched in the advanced Docs to Go Section, while 14 new projects were pitched in the Docs to Start. All awards…
DOCS TO GO AWARDS: Five prizes were given for Polish documentary film projects in the post-production phase.
- POLISH FILM INSTITUTE Award: (15 000 PLN, approx. €3500 in cash): Inner Landscapes by Zofia Sawicka, produced by Maciej Kubicki, Zofia Kujawska / Telemark. Synopsis: As the train runs through the endless wilderness, the journey of its passengers leads more and more inward. In this documentary road movie, the diverse personal stories create a mosaic that sheds light on the human condition in today’s world.
- FINA Award: Archival materials worth 50 000 PLN (approx. €11,760) for the project Theater on Main Street – The Ida Kamińska Story by Dawid Szurmiej, produced by Katarzyna Kaczmarek, Milena Drinčić, Dawid Szurmiej / Studio Agart. Synopsis: The story of the only actress from behind the Iron Curtain to be nominated for an Academy Award, who was forced into exile at the height of her career as antisemitic riots swept across Eastern Europe.
- WFF – WROCLAW FEATURE FILM STUDIO Award: Image and sound post-production services worth 25 000 PLN (approx. €5,880) for Tickling the Devil by Piotr Małecki and Maciek Nabrdalik, produced by Piotr Małecki / Short Docs Media. Synopsis: After years spent in a world of violence, a celebrated American war photographer tries to find meaning in life at home with his loved ones. His inner demons prevent him from regaining balance.
- FIXAFILM Award: Image post-production services worth of 15 000 PLN for (approx. €3500) The Herdby Mariusz Biernacki, produced by Iga Malińska / Play Colors Media. Synopsis: A group of strangers come together to explore what intimacy truly means. They learn to take off their masks and reclaim the lost connection — with themselves and with others.
- Multilab / Krakow Technology Park Award: Image post-production services worth 10 000 PLN (approx. €2350) for Maestra by Magda Nabiałczyk, produced by Iwona Harris / Lollipop Films. Synopsis: Lidia Grychtołówna, a legendary pianist. Her age hasn’t taken away her charm or playful spirit. She still shines. But now, she faces the hardest performance of her life — growing old.
DOCS TO START AWARDS: Polish documentary film projects in the development phase participating in the Docs to Start pitching were awarded a total of eight prizes.
- MX35 Award: Film equipment rental services worth of 10 000 PLN (approx. €2350) to Hear Me Out by Agnieszka Iwańska produced by Izabela Igel / 7FILMS Sp. z o.o. Synopsis: Almost 10 years after the death of her husband, a famous writer, Olena Leonenko‑Głowacka, a Ukrainian singer, is still in mourning. Will she manage to emerge from the shadows and find herself?
- Cafe Ole Award: Sound post-production services worth of 10 000 PLN (approx. €2350) for Her Name is Fields by Martyna Wróbel, Anna Biernacik, produced by Magdalena Sztorc, Anna Zajączkowska / Mozaika Films. Synopsis: Two young artists spiral into drug addiction. This is a story about the struggle to set boundaries when we love.
- DOK LEIPZIG Special Mention: Invitation to Co Pro Meetings in Leipzig for Her Name is Fields by Martyna Wróbel, Anna Biernacik, produced by Magdalena Sztorc, Anna Zajączkowska / Mozaika Films. Synopsis: Two young artists spiral into drug addiction. This is a story about the struggle to set boundaries when we love.
- FIPADOC Special Mention: Invitation as a guest project to FIPADOC Industry for Nothing to Fear by Katarzyna Cieślar produced by Marta Dużbabel / ATM GRUPA S.A. Synopsis: In a world where death is often taboo, 3 fearless women from Poland revolutionise the way we approach mortality — bringing humor, humanity, and modern rituals to a universal journey we all must face.
- IDFA Special Mention: Invitation as a guest project to IDFA Forum for My Diana by Inga Pylypchuk, produced by Alexandra Bratyshchenko, Kateryna Ptashka / Eleron Picture. Synopsis: When Ukrainian feminist and activist Diana Berg enters my life, my boundaries expand. Through our queer polyamorous relationship, I rediscover Ukraine after years in Germany. If polyamory exists, could polyhomery too?
- Institute of Documentary Film Special Mention: Invitation to East Doc Platform for To Mother by Mattias Bavré, produced by Stanisław Zaborowski, Barbara Dyck, Maarten Bernaerts / Silver Frame, Salto Productions. Synopsis: Brothers living in an institution for people with mental disabilities, longing for their mother, embark on a pilgrimage to the city where she lives, hoping to reconnect after years of separation.
- Polish Docs PRO Special Mention: Support of international promotion and invitation to one of the key world documentary industry events for The Pillar by Marcin Koszałka, produced by Piotr Kobus / Mañana. Synopsis: The Pillar is a story about pushing the boundaries of endurance, set against an aging body and a birth of a new life. A story about growing up to understand the value of friendship and responsibility.
- DAE Encouragement Special Mention: 1 year free membership and 1 consultation with an expert for the project Inner Wild by Kama Czudowska, produced by Dorota Schleiss / ASF Studio. Synopsis: As a child, Karin dreamed of escaping her strict middle‑class household for a wilder life. As an adult, she chases her dreams to the farthest end of Europe, where she uncovers the true cost of freedom.
