Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards have been announced. Although “Taty nie ma” (“Dad’s not home”) did not make it into the final five nominees for Best Live Action Short Film, the film’s presence on the Oscar shortlist alone is a huge distinction and proof of its strength—both artistic and emotional.

This short film, directed by student Jan Saczek, has already won the Gold Medal at the Student Academy Awards and has completed an exceptional festival journey.

Dad’s not home | director: Jan Saczek | cinematography: Patryk Roman | production manager: Lidia Le Thanh | produced by: Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School, University of Silesia in Katowice | 2025

Two underage brothers hide from the world the fact that their father suffers from frontotemporal dementia. They must take care of him and manage the household in order to stay together.

For creators who are at such an early stage of their journey, this is an incredible start and a strong foundation for further careers in film. We truly hope this experience opens more doors for them—these are definitely names worth remembering.

Thank you for allowing us to share the emotions and take part in this unique cinematic journey, and we wish you all the best in your future careers.

We invite you to check out the full list of nominees—among them “Hamnet”, nominated in Best Picture category (and more), with contributions from our graduate Stanisław Cuske (camera operator). Congratulations, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed!

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

Full crew list of Dad’s not home

22 January 2026

With deep sorrow, we received the news of the passing of Dr. Ewa Sałużanka, our Lecturer, a respected educator, and an exceptionally kind person, who for many years was closely associated with the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School of the University of Silesia in Katowice.

She will remain in our memory as a person full of passion, sensitivity, and devotion to her students, who had a real impact on successive generations of creators.
We extend our sincerest condolences to her Family and Loved Ones.

Dean, Lecturers, Staff, and Students
of the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School

12 January 2026

Z głębokim smutkiem przyjęliśmy wiadomość o śmierci dr Ewy Sałużanki, naszej Wykładowczyni, cenionej pedagożki i niezwykle życzliwej Osoby, od lat związanej ze Szkołą Filmową im. Krzysztofa Kieślowskiego Uniwersytetu Śląskiego w Katowicach.

Pozostanie w naszej pamięci jako osoba pełna pasji, wrażliwości i oddania studentom, która miała realny wpływ na kolejne pokolenia twórców.

Składamy najszczersze wyrazy współczucia Rodzinie oraz Bliskim.

Dziekan, Wykładowcy, Pracownicy oraz Studenci

Szkoły Filmowej im. Krzysztofa Kieślowskiego

Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach

09 January 2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

On the occasion of the upcoming Christmas holidays, we wish you peace, rest from everyday duties, and many good, warm moments spent in the company of your loved ones.

May this special time bring joy, hope, and a moment of reflection, and may the coming New Year bring prosperity, good health, and the fulfillment of plans and dreams.

With best wishes,

Prof. Krystyna Doktorowicz,

Dean of the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School

at the University of Silesia in Katowice,

together with the faculty members, staff, and students.

24 December 2025