The fiction film DOG DAYS ARE OVER is Kinga’s master’s degree film and was presented in the fiction film competition of the 20th edition of the Early Bird ISFF in Bulgaria.

Jury Motivation by Adam Balazs:
A director’s role in creating a motion picture is the cornerstone of its production. As the ultimate decision-maker, a director faces countless choices and crossroads that can either bring a vision to its intended destination or lead it astray. A truly exceptional director embodies what all leaders should strive to be: intentional, decisive, compassionate, open-minded, and deeply understanding. The film chosen by the Jury for this year’s Directing Award displays remarkable skill in guiding actors, making powerful use of a strong script, and masterfully handling the story’s visual, auditory, and technical dimensions. Through sharp, impactful close-ups, the film reveals the intimacy and vulnerability of its characters, portrayed by outstanding actors. Emotions surface—or deliberately stay hidden—in subtle pauses, glimpses, gestures, and half-spoken sentences. In depicting loss on both a physical and metaphorical level, while exploring empathy and self-discovery, this film leaves a lasting impression on its audience.

Complete list of winning films: earlybirdfest.org/awarded-2024

DOG DAYS ARE OVER
direction: Kinga Pudełek
screenplay: Maciej Bogdański
cinematography: Ignacy Ciszewski
editing: Olga Bejm
production management: Amadeusz Urbanek
cast: Irmina Liszkowska, Daniel Namiotko
artistic supervision: Łukasz Barczyk, Paweł Edelman

Congratulations!