This year's jury included film critic Jerzy Armata, actress Karolina Gruszka, actress Karolina Rzepa, actor Tomasz Sapryk, and director Emilia Śniegoska. After long deliberations late into the evening, the jury awarded the following prizes:

* GRAND PRIX *
VOICES OF CRISIS dir. Katarzyna Małyszko (graduation film in Animation and Special Effects, produced by Fumi Studio)
Jury statement: For giving voice, with extraordinary tenderness and artistic maturity, to those who so often go unheard.

* BEST OFF FICTION FILM *
SPRAWA NR dir. Patrycja Polkowska (directing graduate; prod. Munk Studio)
Jury statement: For the precise construction of the narrative with the consistent use of artistic means, thanks to which we, together with the characters, face a moral dilemma that is increasingly relevant to our times.

* BEST OFF DOCUMENTARY FILM *
THE COLOURS OF YOUTH dir. Agnieszka Kalińska (prod. Lodz Film School)
Jury statement: For a careful and empathetic look into the emotions of young people facing the challenges of the reality around them.

In addition, the jury awarded several distinctions, including in the Off Film Competition in the documentary category to our directing student Mieszek Chomka for LET’S LEAVE IT UNTITLED (prod. Szkoła Wajdy).

At the Closing Gala, nominations for the Jan Machulski Awards were presented including those for our students and graduates:

* Best Direction – Patrycja Polkowska for the film SPRAWA NR;

* Best Cinematography – Tomek Wierzbicki (cinematography graduate) for the film SPRAWA NR;

* Best Editing – Bartłomiej Piasek & Piotr Wójcik (editing graduates) for the film SPRAWA NR;

* Best actress – Alicja Wieniawa-Narkiewicz (acting student) for the film SPRAWA NR;

* Best Documentary Film – THE COLOURS OF YOUTH directed by Agnieszka Kalińska;

* Best Animated Film – VOICES OF CRISIS directed by Katarzyna Małyszko.

Once again, the Youth Jury presented its award at the Solanin Film Festival. The jury consisted of Ashley, Hanna Lubryczyńska, Hanna Janusz, Karolina Pożoga, and Julia Szamotulska, who selected VOICES OF CRISIS, directed by Katarzyna Małyszko, as the best film of this year's edition.

Additionally, the jury decided to award a special mention to the film "NO GHOSTS ON GOOD STREET" directed by Emi Buchwald (graduate of directing) for its original portrayal of a young generation entering adulthood. For unique cinematic language. For tenderness and empathy for the characters – an attempt to understand them rather than judge them. For the acting, which builds a bond between the four siblings visible on screen. For the original soundtrack and "basement" where we all want to hide sometimes.

Complete list of winners: solanin.pl/gala-rozdania-nagrod-18-sff

Congratulations for our students and graduates!

photos: Solanin Film Festival press materials