We're kicking off the week with great news!
Nowak's film Afonia is competing at this year's Shortfest Palm Springs International Film Festival, which takes place from June 20 to 26. Thanks to funding from the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, the student's personal participation in the festival has been achieved, which is a significant recognition for Marta's artistic activity. We thank the organization for making this possible.
Once again, we wish her good luck.
The premiere of the documentary film "Feliks Netz and the Art of the Word" (Polish title: Feliks Netz i sztuka słowa), directed by Beata Nez and Mieczysław Chudzik, took place at Kieślowski Film School's cinema hall on June 20, 2023.
The documentary focuses on the life and works of Feliks Netz, an acclaimed writer, poet, publicist, and journalist of the post-war generation. Above all, it is a story about how a small, picturesque town in Lower Silesia called Lubań influenced his life, creativity, and acquaintances.
In addition to the film screening, there was also a discussion about Feliks Netz, attended by Prof. Krystyna Doktorowicz, Dean of Kieślowski Film School; Mrs. Beata Netz, widow of the late poet; and Prof. Zbigniew Kadłubek, director of the Silesian Library. Marcin Musiał, (Marcin Musiał - śląski blog), who hosted the event, coorganized it with Silesiateka.
This meeting is made possible by the initiative of the Little Festival of Great Literature (Mały Festiwal Wielkiej Literatury). The event, which lasts from June 15 to 24, orchestrates meetings in four Silesian cities: Ruda Śląska, Katowice, Bytom, and Chorzów.
We thank the organizers for the opportunity to be part of such a great event. More details regarding the event can be found at the link.
The KFDF Youth and Film Festival lauded the artistry and expertise expressed in the films of students and graduates of the Kieślowski Film School. Here are brief descriptions of the winners:
FEATURE FILM DEBUTS COMPETITION
Wielki Jantar 2023 for a Full-Length Feature Debut went to Damian Kocur for his film "Bread and Salt." The jury praised the film for portraying a shocking image of contemporary Poland through its interpretation of brutality combined with its sensitivity to beauty.
Honorable Mention for a Feature Film went to "Roving Woman" by Michał Chmielewski. According to the jury, it is a modest road movie that talks about learning to be yourself and becoming free and independent.
SHORT FILM DEBUTS COMPETITION
Stanisław Cuske won the Jantar 2023 for Cinematography for a Short Film for his work in "Postcards from the Verge," directed by Natalia Koniarz. The jury praised Cuske for his poetic frames taken in an efficient manner in extreme conditions. "Postcards from the Verge" also won the Jantar 2023 for Short Documentary. The Jury noted the honesty and multilayered nature of the story and its focus on a unique relationship whose strength resides within the extreme challenges experienced on the edge of the world.
NON-STATUTORY AWARDS
The Journalists' Award for Full-Length Feature Film went to Michał Chmielewski, the director of "Roving Woman."
The Jury commended the story's focus on overcoming loneliness. They highlighted that the story allows its protagonist to be fragile. Moreover, they noted that it combines American road cinema with European sensibility.
We are delighted about the achievements of our students and graduates, and we would like to congratulate them wholeheartedly.
A list of all the winners of the 42nd edition of the festival is available at this link.
On June 16, Prof. Jerzy Łukaszewicz, vice dean for science and artistic creativity at Kieślowski Film School, received the Pro Scientia et Arte Award, which honors outstanding scientific and artistic achievements of university employees.
The event, which took place in the concert hall at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music, was graced by the presence of Prof. Ryszard Koziołek, Rector of the University of Silesia, and Prof. Krystyna Doktorowicz, Dean of Kieślowski Film School. During the ceremony, Prof. Jerzy Łukaszewicz also gave a lecture entitled "A Few Remarks on the Artistic Truth."
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Jerzy Łukaszewicz!
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of the event, particularly our student, Lidia Le Thanh, who was one of the hosts.
Feel free to take a look through the photo report: link
"The Rocking Horses," directed by Marcin Lesisz, won the Grand Prix in the Independent Film category at the 69th OKFA National Independent Film Competition. The film also secured the Young Jury Award at the event.
Marcin Lesisz, a graduate of Image Production and Photography at the Kieślowski Film School, handled the direction, cinematography, and screenplay of this documentary.
The film centers on Ewa, a person with a mental disability whose life is limited to the nursing home and her parents' apartment. She has a close but complicated relationship with her mother, full of hidden regrets. To relieve the tension, Ewa makes dolls and toys with materials available at home. With their help, she communicates her emotions to the world around her. Subsequently, we are given a glimpse into segments of animation that present a new narrative created by Ewa, inspired by her own life. It enables us to see this world through her remarkable imagination.
Made in the Munk Studio, the film is part of the First Document program, funded by the Polish Filmmakers Association and the Polish Film Institute. The film is executive produced by Domino Film, which is under the ownership of Małgorzata Domin and Dominika Mandla, who are also lecturers in our department.
In addition to the Grand Prix, "The Rocking Horses" has won a Silver Hobby-Horse at the Krakow Film Festival and a distinction at the ongoing Festiwal Młodzi i Film (Youth and Film Festival).
A hearty congratulations to everyone involved in the production of this documentary. Best of luck in all your future pursuits!