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.

Facing the Screen, dir. Semih Korhan Güner (Germany) 2021, 26’, 15+
The silver screen is a window to the world — and the screen showing live surveillance footage is a window into the movie theater. Jannik is a projectionist. During his shifts, he uses surveillance cameras to keep an eye on the few moviegoers in the auditoriums. In reality, he’d prefer to see himself on the big screen. Polish premiere.

Slave, dir. Grzegorz Piekarski (Poland) 2021, 30’, 16+
Nikodem serves his sentence under a new penitentiary programme involving work at the house of Maja and Łukasz, who have full power over him. The household members are surprised when Nikodem’s appeal is successful and he regains his freedom. Despite the fact that they could have parted ways and never meet again, they stayed together for one more day. Film presented at e.g. Energa Camerimage IFF.

Seahorse, dir. Natalie Bruijns (Netherlands) 2020, 21’, 18+
Dana is a mature woman who wants to have an abortion. At the clinic, she observes people who came here for various reasons and have different approaches to the procedure. The closer her turn comes, the more she ponders her decision. Polish premiere.

The Last Day of Patriarchy, dir. Olmo Omerzu (Czech Republic) 2021, 16’, 16+
The grandson introduces his girlfriend to his grandfather, who is lying on his deathbed. The older man asks for a moment of one-to-one conversation with the woman. Film awarded at the Ljubljana IFF.

Little Theatre, dir. Kacper Gajewski (Poland) 2022, 21’, 16+
One day in the life of two actors from a traveling theater. What seems to be ordinary, soon will become an unequal fight against time.