The 19th edition of the ŻUBROFFKA International Short Film Festival concluded in Białystok – five days filled with film screenings, concerts, workshops, meetings, and discussions. 114 films, selected from over 1,300 international submissions, competed for awards in 10 ŻUBROFFKA competitions.

* Here are our winners *

1st Prize in the FICTION.PL Competition (PLN 3,500) went to the film SLAP!!, dir. Mikołaj Piszczan

Jury statement: With its clear directorial vision, supported by powerful performances, this film pulled us into a raw, brutal world. Its impact was so vivid that we could almost feel the slap ourselves.

Honourable Mention in the FICTION.PL Competition was received by the film DYING OF THE YOUNG DEER, dir. Angelika Cygal

Jury statement: This striking film could only be made by a director who really knows the community she is portraying onscreen. Stripped back and without artifice, she is able to convey such a strong sense of place that reality itself becomes magical.

Honourable Mention in the DOCUMENTARY.PL Competition was received by the film YELLOW IS THE LAST COLOUR, dir. Agata Majcherowicz

Jury statement: This intimate film invites us into the daily life of a couple caring for each other, while exploring the subjective experience of re-learning to live in the world after losing one of your senses.

The Best Animation Award (PLN 3,500) went to the film THE CROOKED HEADS, dir. Jakub Krzyszpin

Jury statement: This film paints a vivid picture of a young man hanging onto stability by a fingernail. The grounded vocal performances, the harrowing soundscape, and the expressionistic visual style work together to give us a feeling of existential dread we share with its protagonist.

Main Award in the YOUTH Competition (PLN 3,500), awarded by young audiences went to the film ALL THE COLORS OF YOUTH, dir. Agnieszka Kalińska

Young Jury Honourable Mention in Polish competitions (Animation.pl, Fiction.pl and Documentary.pl) was received by the film BLOODLINE, dir. Wojciech Węglarz

Jury statement: For the bison’s perspective on the ruthless human reality, which creates a breach in silence and allows us to see the absurdity of building walls.

The international journalist jury consisting of Dora Leu, Emel-Elizabeth Tuulik and Olivia Popp decided to award the best Polish film (among the films participating in the Animation.pl, Fiction.pl and Documentary.pl competitions):

Award of the International Journalists (PLN 3,500) went to the film THE DAM, dir. Giovanni Pierangeli

Jury statement: We were impressed by the film’s striking visual concept crafted through precise composition, tense camerawork, and stoic performances. The filmmaker achieves a balance between familiarity and detachment, cultivating a work that sinks deep into the viewer’s psyche. Its immersive soundscapes give life to a chilling experience about a family in crisis within the framework of a courtroom drama.

Our graduates were also among the winners – congratulations to you too!

Complete jury verdict: zubroffka.pl/en/news/the-film-the-spectacle-wins-the-grand-prix-at-the-19th-zubroffka-in...

photos: festival press materials