ABOUT FILMFORUM
FILMFORUM Association
FILMFORUM deals with complex organization of cultural events, festivals and film reviews. We are responsible for the whole production process of cultural ventures – from fundraising, through preparing detailed programs, to the technical service of particular events. In our group there are people who have been engaged in the most famous cultural events in the country and abroad. We mastered to perfection the art of culture project management. We specialize in artistic projects in the areas with poorly developed cultural infrastructure, where the real mission is to revive a local spirit and creative using of an urban tissue. Events organized by the FILMFORUM are characterized by a rich program where everyone can find something for themselves: both in terms of subject matter of films, offer of the additional events, as well as a wide range of educational activities on various subjects and differential levels.The mission of the FILMFORUM Association is
education of filmmakers and film art recipients,
activities for the development of the film industry
and promotion of young talents
– with particular emphasis on the authors of short films.
learn – develop – explore
Organizational structure
The FILMFORUM Association implements the mission through three main program departments:
EVENTS
Goal: preparation of cultural events, with particular emphasis on film-related events.
Coordinator:
Piotr Simon
EDU
Goal: preparation of educational programs , with particular emphasis film education programs.
Coordinator:
Marek Pawlikowski
INDUSTRY
Goal: preparation of specialist events addressed to professionals from the film industry.
Coordinator:
Simone Lipińska
History
FILMFORUM.PL Online Film Service has existed since 1999. The originator and the first editor-in-chief of FILMFORUM.PL was Rafał Buks, who along with a group of colleagues from the Lodz Film School production department (among others Olaf Młyński) ran the service in the years 1999-2002. In 2002, Maciej Dominiak and Marceli Zielnik – creators of the “FILMFORUM” Association joined the team.
Since 2003, the website has been involved not only in information activities, but also in the production of events, festivals, training and workshops promoting young cinema. FILMFORUM is also an organizer of many projects in various fields of culture (theater, music), carried out as part of the A35 Laboratory and the initiator of professional educational activities.
Implementation of festival and educational activities and educational - Cooperation with Ukraine
In 2022, Russia bestially invaded Ukraine. The brutal invasion did not break our Ukrainian partners, workshop participants and all other friends from across the eastern border. As every year, they were active with the FILMFORUM Association during educational projects and festivals.
In July began the National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO – a week-long festival of cinema, which we organized in Radom for the fifteenth time. As part of the anniversary edition of the festival, the competition part for the first time adopted an international formula. Its name FREEDOM Film Festival and the color scheme referring to the Ukrainian flag referred to the struggle for freedom waged by our neighbors. The festival’s slogan – TOGETHER – also referred to the common opposition to violence.
International activities
International programs implemented with the support of the European Union also continued in 2022. FILMFORUM Association received ERASMUS+ accreditation, under which we implemented two exchanges for young representatives of the film industry. There was also another phase of the “Polish-Norwegian Film Festivals Cooperation” project organized in partnership with Stiftelsen Amandusfestivalen and the KOSMOPOLIS Institute Foundation for Science, Culture and Education for cultural exchange between young filmmakers from Poland and Norway. It also took collaborative action with organizations from France, Spain, Romania and Germany as part of the InMedia project.
Establishment of an international consortium
The Filmforum Group
The most important of the FILMFORUM Association’s international activities was the establishment of The FILMFORUM Group consortium, bringing together six film organizations from across Europe: CinemaHall (Ukraine), Foundation for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Poland (Poland), KOSMOPOLIS Institute Foundation for Science, Culture and Education (Poland), KINOGRAPHE Association (France) and Associazione Cinematografica e Culturale LABORATORIO DEI SOGNI (Italy). The FILMFORUM Association became the consortium leader.
Projects:
In 2022, FILMFORUM implements the following projects:
- CINEMAFORUM – 21. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Awards (18. edition),
- 15. Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (9th edition)
- Polish-Norwegian Film Festivals Cooperation,
- MASTERCLASS – School of Filming (8th edition)
- INTERFILMLAB 6.0 -Supporting the export potential of Polish cinematography in the global VOD market,
- Praktykuj w kulturze – programme of the National Centre for Culture,
- International Film Workshops “TOGETHER – ToGetThere”;
- SCRIPTMARKET.PRO (3rd edition)
- Polish-Ukrainian film workshops in Olsztyn (8th edition),
- Professional internships for students of the Warsaw Film School,
- International Film Workshops “FILL – Film Industry Leaders Lab”,
- InMedia.
Stabilizing operations after a pandemic
The year 2021 was another year in which all the activities of the FILMFORUM Association took place under the sanitary regime associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Three film festivals, the continuation of the educational mission through the implementation of film workshops, the organization of industry events and internship and volunteer programs – thanks to the experience of 2020, these events have already proceeded without major organizational challenges. It was possible to achieve all the set goals while keeping the participants of the events fully safe.
The 17th edition of the Jan Machulski Awards brought many changes. Due to the challenges faced by the film industry in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Organizing Committee of the Jan Machulski Awards decided to combine the nominations awarded in 2020 and 2021, from which the Committee selected the winners.
New international projects
With the beginning of 2021, FILMFORUM has launched a several-year project within the framework of Strategic Partnerships in Youth, implemented with the support of the European Union ERASMUS+ Program. The InMedia project aims to exchange good practices on the inclusion of potentially socially excluded youth in cultural and media education activities, which is likely to translate into an increase in their representation in the media. The project involves organizations from France, Spain, Poland, Romania and Germany.
In 2021, the FILMFORUM Association, in partnership with the KOSMOPOLIS Institute Foundation for Science, Culture and Education, implemented a new project, “Polish-Norwegian Film Festivals Cooperation“, which aims to exchange the works of short cinema and establish cooperation between the organizers of festivals presenting the work of young filmmakers – the Amandus Film Festival in Lillehammer and the WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn.
The last farewell to Krystian Dulewicz
The end of the year brought extremely sad news of the death of Krystian Dulewicz – one of the pillars of the FILMFORUM Association’s film education programs. In 2021, Krystian Dulewicz was honored with the Jan Machulski Special Award for a lifetime of work for young Polish cinema, in gratitude and recognition of his contribution to the Association.
Projects
In 2021, FILMFORUM implements the following projects:
- CINEMAFORUM – 20. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Awards (17. edition),
- 14. Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (8. edition),
- Polish-Norwegian Film Festivals Cooperation,
- Youth Reportage Workshops (5th edition),,
- MASTERCLASS – School of Filming (7th edition),
- INTERFILMLAB 5.0 – New audiovisual distribution channels in the face of market changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic,
- Praktykuj w kulturze – programme of the National Centre for Culture,
- International Film Workshops #followme – Youth Movement for Social Change,
- SCRIPTMARKET.PRO,
- Polish-Ukrainian film workshops in Olsztyn (7th edition),
- Professional internships for students of the Warsaw Film School,
- International Film Workshops “FILL – Film Industry Leaders Lab”,
- InMedia,
- Development of vod.filmforum.pl website,
- FILMFORUM Studio – technological support.
A new challenge for FILMFORUM activities - COVID-19 pandemic
2020 was a year full of new experiences. The biggest of these was adapting the Association’s activities to the enormous challenge of delivering socio-cultural events in an ever-changing pandemic.
FILMFORUM’s stable position as a leader in film education has been confirmed this year by awarding the 6th edition of the ‘MASTERCLASS – Film School’ project with the Warsaw Prize for Cultural Education. It is worth noting that the ‘MASTERCLASS’ project was one of the first educational projects in Poland to be implemented online. In its new formula, it found a larger audience during the pandemic.
In 2020. FILMFORUM also produced the documentary film ‘To był lipiec 1945’, directed by Waldemar Czechowski, co-produced by Telewizja Polska and Filmoteka Narodowa – Instytut Audiowizualny
There has been a significant change in the formula of the Jan Machulski Awards. As of the 17th edition, the Awards are dedicated to all creators of short films, not only those involved in independent cinema. Important industry organisations have become partners of the Awards: Polish Filmmakers Association, ZAIKS Authors Association, Union of Polish Stage Artists ZASP, Polish Society of Cinematographers, Polish Association of Editors PSM, Platige Image and Panavision Poland.
In 2020, the FILMFORUM Association was joined by associates Aleksandra Łoś, Rafał Jeżak, Albert Kiciński and Marta Sikorska. They are undoubtedly specialists in their fields, whose activities strengthen FILMFORUM in many fields.
New organisational structure of FILMFORUM
To improve the Association’s operations, three autonomous programme divisions have been established from February 2020: FILMFORUM Events, FILMFORUM Edu and FILMFORUM Industry.
FILMFORUM Events is responsible for the coordination of important cultural events. FILMFORUM Edu is in charge of the preparation of local, regional, national and international film education programmes addressed to young people. FILMFORUM Industry organises events dedicated to film professionals.
Projects
In 2020, FILMFORUM implements the following projects:
- CINEMAFORUM – 19. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Awards (16. edition),
- 13. Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (7. edition)
- Youth Reportage Workshops (5th edition),
- ViSTa Lab – Visual Story Talent Lab,
- MASTERCLASS – School of Filming (6th edition)
- INTERFILMLAB 4.0 – promotion and distribution of films on the VOD market,
- AUDIOWIZJE – Audiovisual Creation Workshops,
- Praktykuj w kulturze – programme of the National Centre for Culture,
- FAST – Film Art for Social Transformation,
- SCRIPTMARKET.PRO,
- Polish-Ukrainian film workshops in Olsztyn,
- SCAN 2020 – Social Campaign About Neighbourhood.
The 15th anniversary of the FILMFORUM Association honored with medals
FILMFORUM’s many years of activity have been recognized by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. “Meritorious for Polish Culture” badges were handed out to three members – founders of FILMFORUM:
- Maciej Dominiak – Director of FILMFORUM,
- Marta Karnkowska – Chairwoman of the FILMFORUM Audit Committee,
- Marceli Zielnik – Member of the FILMFORUM Board.
The “Meritorious for Polish Culture” badge was also gived to prof. Marcin Adamczak – Director of the CINEMAFORUM Festival in 2015-2018, who for three years made a significant contribution to the programming of FILMFORUM activities directed at film industry professionals.
A very important event was also the awarding of the Bronze Medal for Merit to Culture GLORIA ARTIS by dr Anna Wróblewska – the long-term Program Director of FILMFORUM and the Director of Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in the years 2013-2017, which this event owes to its current shape and important position on the map of Polish film festivals.
100 points of the KAMERALNE LATO program
The KAMERALNE LATO program in 2019 has been extended to as many as 100 events. There were suggestions for young and old cinema lovers, beginners and experienced filmmakers, children, teenagers and adults. The organizational team puts special emphasis on the implementation of one of the festival’s most important missions – the promotion of Radom among the young generation of film producers and filmmakers. The city, with its rich base of various locations, has a chance to become an important center of Polish film production, recognizable among young creators and producers.
Projects
In 2019, FILMFORUM implements the following projects:
- CINEMAFORUM – 18. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Independent Polish Film Awards (15. edition),
- 12. Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (6. edition),
- KINOGRAPHE – Polish-French Film Workshops in Grenoble (5th edition),
- Youth Reportage Workshops (4th edition),
- MASTERCLASS – School of Filming (6th edition),
- Polish-Ukrainian film criticism workshops,
- INTERFILMLAB 3.0 – promotion and distribution of films on the VOD market,
- “Pracownia A35” – volunteering development program in the field of culture (2nd edition),
- Radom Cultural Kaleidoscope – a review of cultures from around the world. “We learn about the dishes and customs of other regions – Civic Budget 2019”,
- International Film Workshops “SPOT – Social Pictures of Today”,
- AUDIOWIZJE – Audiovisual Creation Workshops.
FILMFORUM educates young staff
The association focuses on developing the offer addressed to Warsaw youth. He attaches particular importance to the development of managerial and cultural competences of humanities students who pursuing a career with work in the cultural sector.
The completion of the renovation of the headquarters of the Association enables the initiation of a volunteer development program in the field of culture – “Pracownia A35” and the “Humanist in cultural institutions” internship program.
FILMFORUM develops key projects, focusing on the issues of marginalized and socially excluded people. Further editions of festivals take place in Radom, Olsztyn and Warsaw. Young people from all over Europe (France, Lithuania, Ukraine, Italy, Hungary) come to Poland to take part in international film education programs: AdVenture – Youth Adventure in Social Advertising, SPOT – Spotlight on Society and Polish-Ukrainian Film Reporting Workshops. All projects organized by the Association allow participants to learn the entire path of film production – from the script to post-production.
FILMFORUM cooperates with many experienced and recognizable experts from the film industry, who provide substantive support to young adepts of audiovisual art during implemented educational activities.
Projects
In 2018, FILMFORUM develops projects:
- CINEMAFORUM – 17. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Independent Polish Film Awards (14. edition),
- 11 Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- International Film Workshops “SPOT – Spotlight on Society”,
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (5. edition),
- Polish-Ukrainian Film Reporting Workshops,
- The International Film Education Program “AdVenture – Youth Adventure in Social Advertising”,
- The Historical Film Education Program “It was July 1945”,
- INTERFILMLAB 2.0 – supporting the export potential of Polish cinema in the international festival circulation,
- “Pracownia A35” – volunteering development program in the field of culture,
- KINOGRAPHE – Polish-French Film Workshops in Grenoble (4th edition),
- Internship program implemented in cooperation with UKSW – “Humanist in cultural institutions”,
- Youth Reportage Workshops (3rd edition),
- MASTERCLASS – School of Filming (5th edition).
Intensive development
FILMFORUM develops the largest projects – festivals in Warsaw, Radom and Olsztyn strengthen their recognition in Poland and abroad. Together with the youth section of the Association, it prepares international youth exchanges: SPOTHSHOT – Academy of Social Advertising and Polish-Ukrainian Film Workshops. Thanks to the activities of FILMFORUM in 2017, Poland is visited by over 100 people associated with the film industry. INTERFILMLAB workshops addressed to film producers and distributors are very popular.
KAMERALNE LATO together with its partners celebrates the tenth jubilee.
FILMFORUM moves to a new headquarters in Warsaw’s Muranów. The place is associated with the history of the Association – here the branch of the Downtown Cultural Center was located, in which the founders of the FILMFORUM were preparing the first editions of the CINEMAFORUM (then under the name Oskariada). After a general renovation, FILMFORUM begins work on the plan for the development of a new space, the first ideas regarding the A35 Laboratory are being formed.
Projects
In 2017 FILMFORUM intensively develops the largest projects:
CINEMAFORUM – 16. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
Jan Machulski Independent Polish Film Awards (13. edition),
10. Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (4. edition),
Polish – Ukrainian Film Workshops in Olsztyn (3. edition),
KINOGRAPHE – Polish – French Film Workshops in Grenoble (3. edition),
SPOTSHOT – Academy of Social Advertising,
Education programme NEW FILM TOOLS IN YOUTH WORK,
INTERFILMLAB – education to increase the competitiveness and export possibilities of the Polish film industry,
Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL.
FILMFORUM develops international projects
FILMFORUM develops international activity. The events organized during the year by the Association are visited by several hundred foreign representatives of the film industry (including Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, Norway and Ukraine). In cooperation with the Academic Center for Information and European Education and foreign partners, FILMFORUM implements a long-term project aimed at developing innovative methods for non-formal film education of young people (the project is financed from the European Union Program ERASMUS +).
Systematic information activity carried out in the Warmian-Masurian region contributes to the creation of a voivodship film fund whose foundation is announced during the third edition of the WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn.
During the 9th Polish National Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO, in cooperation with the uniformed services, social advertisements are created, which become the showcase of the social campaign of the Police entitled SmartStop. During the first weeks of the campaign, films reach 300,000 views in social media, are broadcast on TV stations and before cinema screenings.
FILMFORUM develops new undertakings regarding professional education of young filmmakers.
Projects
In 2016 FILMFORUM realizes eleven national and international cultural projects, educational programmes and trainings in the field of proffessional film education:
- CINEMAFORUM – 15. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (12. edition),
- 9. National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (3. edition),
- Norwegian-Polish Academy of Film and Photography,
- Trainings MASTERCLASS – School of Filming (4. edition),
- Polish-Ukrainian Film Reportage Workshops in Olsztyn (2. edition),
- KINOGRAPHE – Polish-French Film Workshops in Grenoble (2. edition),
- Polish-German Film Critic Workshops FOCUS ON PALACE vol. 2,
- Educational programme NEW FILM TOOLS IN YOUTH WORK,
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL.
More projects, new headquarters
An increasing number of ongoing projects prompts the Association to move its headquarters into the creative spaces of the Warsaw SOHO FACTORY.
FILMFORUM strengthens cooperation with foreign partners. Thanks to this, many international events and student exchanges take place during organized festivals.
During the second edition of the WAMA Film Festival, film workshops with Ukrainian youth are held, where for a week learns the basics of film making and gets to know the multicultural roots of Olsztyn.
In cooperation with the Jarocin XXI Association, the second part of the Norwegian-Polish Academy of Film and Photography is realized. Youth for two weeks in Oslo creates their own reportages and feature etudes. At the same time, photo workshops are also taking place. The next stage of the project is the arrival of Norwegian youth to Poland and the implementation of film post-production workshops.
FILMFORUM together with the Association des Arts du Spectacle organizes the first edition of the KINOGRAPHE workshop in Grenoble, where Polish and French youth create short films. KAMERALNE LATO hosts a French group of young people who participate in film workshops, which are an important element of this event. In cooperation with Mateusz Damięcki and Tadeusz Reytan High School in Warsaw, FILMFORUM begins the next edition of MASTERCLASS – School of Filming.
Projects
In 2015 FILMFORUM realizes twelve educational and cultural projects:
- CINEMAFORUM – 14. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (11. edition),
- 8. National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn (2. edition),
- Norwegian-Polish Academy of Film and Photography,
- MASTERCLASS – School of Filming in Warsaw (3. edition),
- Polish-Ukrainian Film Workshops in Olsztyn,
- KINOGRAPHE – Polish-French Film Workshops in Grenoble,
- 2. Artistic Activation Program for Older People STAGE FOR SENIOR in Warsaw,
- 2. Youth Film Reportage Workshops in Warsaw,
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- Film Workshops in the art laboratories of the Downtown Culture Centre in Warsaw.
International cooperation
FILMFORUM establishes official cooperation with the Ukrainian film association CINEMAHALL, the French student association ASSOCIATION DES ARTS DU SPECTACLE in Grenoble and the Polish Photographic and Tourist Club in Norway.
In cooperation with the JAROCIN XXI Association, the first part of the Norwegian-Polish Academy of Film and Photography is implemented: photography workshops for Polish and Norwegian youth. The photographs show the post-industrial image of Upper Silesia and the contemporary face of the JAROCIN FESTIVAL rock music festival. The results of the workshop participants’ work are published in the form of an album and in the form of an exhibition they travel all over Poland.
FILMFORUM is developing a network of international film festivals
in cooperation with the KOSMOPOLIS Institute, FILMFORUM successfully conducts the first edition of the WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn. On the red carpet, laid out in front of the Warmian-Masurian Philharmonic, appears the Festival Ambassador – Jerzy Hoffman, and a number of stars: Edyta Jungowska, Mateusz Damięcki, Nicolas Villega Hernandez, Rafael Lewandowski, Piotr Dzięcioł. The festival is very popular with the audience.
There is a clear division of FILMFORUM’s activities into international, nationwide and local ones. As part of activities for the benefit of the local community, the Culture INCUBATOR program (formerly: Cultural Education Incubator) is expanded, including a number of artistic and educational offers addressed to the inhabitants of Warsaw
Projects
FILMFORUM realises new projects and educational programmes. In total in 2014 Association conducts ten large artistic ventures.
International and national activities:
- CINEMAFORUM – 13. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (10. edition),
- 7. National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- WAMA Film Festival in Olsztyn,
- Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz in Jarocin (5th edition),
- Norwegian-Polish Academy of Film and Photography – international photography workshops.
Local Activities:
- 2. Youth Theater Academy in Warsaw,
- Artistic Activation Program for the Elderly SCENE FOR SENIOR in Warsaw,
- Film Workshops in the Art Workshops of the Śródmieście Culture Center in Warsaw.
New partnerships, new activities
In 2013, FILMFORUM establishes partner cooperation with the KOSMOPOLIS Institute and the Warsaw Housing Cooperative, which resulted in the establishment of an INCUBATOR of Cultural Education – a social institution specializing in the implementation of educational and artistic programs for various age groups. As part of the INCUBATOR, a series of new initiatives and projects implemented by FILMFORUM is being created.
An extremely important partnership is establishing cooperation with the Mazovian Voivodeship Police Headquarters, which resulted in a series of activities focused on social prevention implemented through film education.
In October 2013, FILMFORUM signs a permanent cooperation agreement with the Machulski School of Acting in KINOTEKA in Warsaw. The effect of joint activities is the establishment of a center for professional artistic education called: “EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER – MACHULSKI SCHOOL”.
The cooperation of FILMFORUM with the KOSMOPOLIS Institute is intensively developing, which in a short time brings effects in the form of joint scientific (publications) and educational projects (conferences, workshops and trainings).
In 2013, the FILMFORUM Association obtains the status of a Public Benefit Organization.
Projects
In 2013, FILMFORUM activities are significantly intensified. New educational projects and programs are emerging. In total, in 2013, FILMFORUM implements 10 educational and cultural projects:
- 12. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (9. edition),
- 6. National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz in Jarocin (4th edition),
Specialized training “MASTERCLASS – School of Filming” (2nd edition),
The educational program “YOUTH THEATER ACADEMY”,
The “SCENE FOR SENIOR” social and artistic program,
Youth Reportage Workshops,
Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
Film Workshops in the Art Workshops of the Śródmieście Culture Center in Warsaw.
Partnership cooperation with the JAROCIN XXI Association
FILMFORUM intensifies educational activities implemented jointly with the JAROCIN XXI Association.
Work is underway to create the Norwegian-Polish Academy of Film and Photography, an international educational project implemented jointly with Deichmanske Libraries in Oslo, the Polish Photographic and Tourist Club in Norway and the Søndre Holmlia Cultural Center.
In autumn, the cooperation of FILMFORUM with the LATERNA MAGICA Film Education and Art Foundation ends. The last jointly implemented project is “Film Board Game”, an innovative undertaking in the field of film education of youth.
PARIS MUSIC, a company cooperating with the association since 2003, has become a regular technological partner of FILMFORUM.
Projects
The year 2012 is seven key projects:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- 11. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (8. edition),
- 5 National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz in Jarocin (3rd edition),
- Film Board Game,
- Film Workshops in the Art Workshops of the Śródmieście Culture Center in Warsaw.
Review of the Independent Cinema in Gdynia
In connection with the establishment, as part of the Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia, Independent Cinema Review, FILMFORUM participates in the organization of the film repertoire, establishing the program and the promotion of the environmental review.
Projects
FILMFORUM w roku 2011 realizuje siedem projektów kulturalnych:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- 10. International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (7. edition),
- 4 National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz in Jarocin (2nd edition),
- “MASTERCLASS – School of Filming”,
- Film Workshops in the Art Workshops of the Śródmieście Culture Center in Warsaw.
Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz
FILMFORUM, together with Mrs. Magdalena Łazarkiewicz and the JAROCIN XXI Association, establish the Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz – an extensive educational program whose aim is to educate young people in film and commemorate the activities carried out in this field by the recognized director and screenwriter Piotr Łazarkiewicz.
Piotr Łazarkiewicz died on June 20, 2008 in Warsaw. For many years he cooperated with FILMFORUM as a lecturer and artistic supervisor of educational activities for young people.
In 2010, the FILMFORUM Association once again participates in the preparation of the Young Cinema Competition and the Independent Cinema Competition as part of the 35th Polish Film Festival in Gdynia (participation in the organization of the film repertoire, establishing the competition program, promotion of the event).
Projects
In 2010, the FILMFORUM Association implements the following cultural projects:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- 9 International Independent Feature Film Festival in Warsaw,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (6. edition),
- 3 National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- Film Academy Piotr Łazarkiewicz in Jarocin,
- Film Workshops in the Art Workshops of the Śródmieście Culture Center in Warsaw.
The new FILMFORUM Board
The term of office of the current board ends in May (2005 – 2009). The new Board of the Association consists of: Michał Konca (President of the Board), Marceli Zielnik (Vice President of the Board) and Marta Karnkowska (Treasurer).
Projects
In 2009, the “FILMFORUM” Association implements the following cultural projects:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- 8. International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Bialystok,
- Jan Machulski Polish Independent Film Awards (5. edition) – an award summarizing the year in Polish independent cinema,
- “FILMVISAGE” International Festival of Film and Television Professions,
- 2 National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Radom,
- 2. Polish Independent Film Festival in Zawiercie,
- 7. European Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw,
- Film Workshops in the Art Workshops of the Śródmieście Culture Center in Warsaw.
Jan Machulski (1928 - 2008)
On November 20, 2008 dies Jan Machulski, an excellent theater and film actor, director, outstanding teacher, friend of the “FILMFORUM” Association, long-time juror of the International Forum of Independent Feature Films, laureate of the Polish Independent Cinema Award (2005) for lifetime activities for young cinema in Poland.
The Board of the Association, in consultation with Ms Halina Machulska and directors of Polish off cinema festivals, gives the Polish Independent Cinema Awards the name of Jan Machulski.
Projects
In 2008, “FILMFORUM” begins the implementation of two new projects: National Film Meetings “KAMERALNE LATO” and the Polish Independent Film Festival. In total, 6 major film projects are created during the year:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- “OSKARIADA” International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Warsaw,
- Polish Independent Film Awards,
- National Polish Film Meetings KAMERALNE LATO in Pionki,
- Polish Independent Film Festival in Zawiercie,
- European Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw.
In addition, the “FILMFORUM” Association supports the Pomeranian Film Foundation in the implementation of the following projects:
- Independent Cinema Competition and Student Film Etudes Competition of Diploma Films at the Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia,
- Ukrainian Film Festival in Poland.
Dorota Wilczak resigns from the function of the Member of the Board of the FILMFORUM Association. Since 2008, the Association Board has been working in a three-person composition.
New activities
FILMFORUM signs a partnership cooperation agreement with the LATERNA MAGICA Film Education and Film Foundation.
A new version of the FILMFORUM.PL portal is launched in the form of an internet platform consisting of autonomous vortals (among others “News”, “Movies”, “Archive”, “Forum”).
Dorota Wilczak is replacing Katarzyna Jaworska on the board of the Association. Michał Konca becomes the artistic director of the “FILMFORUM” Association.
Projects
In 2007, FILMFORUM implements the following cultural projects:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- 6. International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Warsaw,
- 2nd Screenplay Competition “Filmed Texts”,
- Polish Independent Film Awards,
- 5. European Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw.
In addition, the “FILMFORUM” Association participated in the implementation of the following projects:
- The Independent Cinema Competition of the Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia (organization of the film repertoire, establishing the program of the competition, promotion of the event),
- International Independent Film Festival “Journalism” in Kędzierzyn-Koźle (organizational cooperation, promotion of the event and editing of the Festival website),
- Cooperation with the month periodical “KINO” in the editing of the section devoted to debut filmmakers and events of Polish independent cinema.
Changes in 2006
FILMFORUM establishes partner cooperation with the Warsaw Film School.
A script competition “Filmed Texts” is created.
Mateusz Rogala resigns from the function of the vice president of FILMFORUM and takes over the function of the chairman of the Association’s Audit Committee (Rafał Buks becomes the vice-chairman of the Commission).
Marceli Zielnik becomes the Vice President of FILMFORUM. FILMFORUM moves its headquarters to Warsaw.
Projects
Projects implemented by FILMFORUM in 2006:
- Young Cinema Website FILMFORUM.PL,
- International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Warsaw,
- First Screenplay Competition “Filmed Texts”,
- Polish Independent Film Awards
- A nationwide campaign promoting Polish independent cinema “Cinema OFF”,
- Toruń Film Festival “Toffi”,
- Subcarpathian Review of Off Films “Jasło OFF” in Jasło,
- Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw.
In addition, the “FILMFORUM” Association participated in the preparation of the Independent Cinema Competition, as part of the Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia.
Polish Independent Cinema Awards / Ode to Joy
FILMFORUM appoints the Awards of the Polish Independent Cinema (commonly known as “OFFskars”) – trophies summarizing the annual achievements of Polish independent cinema. Awards are granted by “OFF Film Academy”, headed by Jan Machulski.
There are changes in the board of the Association. Piotr Majdrowicz is stepping down as president (he is replaced by Maciej Dominiak), Marcin Kłujsza as treasurer (Marta Karnkowska takes over the position). Mateusz Rogala, a Poznań TV editor, becomes the Vice President of FILMFORUM. Mikołaj Jazdona is replaced by Katarzyna Jaworska on the board.
Another, modernized version of the FILMFORUM.PL website is created. Marta Karnkowska becomes the new editor-in-chief of the portal.
FILMFORUM develops its cultural activities, the effect of the script “NEW GENERATION” is the film “Ode to Joy” directed by Anna Kazejak, Jan Komasa and Maciej Migas.
Projects
In 2005, FILMFORUM develops further initiatives:
- Internet Film Service “Filmforum.pl” – current editorial, update and expansion of the portal promoting Polish independent cinema,
- International Forum of Independent Feature Films (“Oskariada”) in Warsaw,
- 2nd Script Contest “nEW gENERATION”,
- Polish Independent Cinema Awards,
- A nationwide campaign promoting Polish independent cinema “Cinema OFF”,
- International Film Workshops for Youth “One shot” in Łeba,
- “One minute” International Film Festival in Leszno,
- “1409 – Afer at Bartenstein Castle” – film production,
- Toruń Film Festival “Toffi”,
- ” Krakffa ” Krakow Independent Film Festival,
- Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw,
- “Ode to Joy” – organization of the promotional film route.
In addition, the “FILMFORUM” Association participated in the implementation of the following projects:
- “Take action at our school” – co-organization of the education and film competition, carried out jointly with the Warsaw Film School and the “CINEMA” Film Magazine,
- “Heyah – KLAPS” – co-organization of a competition for young filmmakers, carried out jointly with Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa.
Actions
The next editions of the International Forum of Independent Feature Films and the Young Cinema Festival are created. FILMFORUM also organizes film workshops in Łeba and numerous film festivals throughout Poland (Kraków, Warsaw, Poznań, Toruń).
Katarzyna Jaworska (director of Toruń Film Festival TOFFI) joins the FILMFORUM Association.
FILMFORUM establishes partner cooperation with the CINEMA Film Magazine. This allows us to present the best filmmakers, the most interesting events and popularize independent cinema on a large scale in the pages of a popular magazine. The “Cinema OFF” action begins, consisting of monthly publication of extensive press materials about Polish independent cinema and the organization of a nationwide network of film screenings.
There are changes in the board of the Association. Piotr Majdrowicz resigns from the function of president (he is replaced by Maciej Dominiak), Marcin Kłujsza from the function of treasurer (Marta Karnkowska takes over). Poznań TV editor Mateusz Rogala becomes the vice president of FILMFORUM. Mikołaj Jazdona is replaced by Katarzyna Jaworska on the board.
Another, modernized version of the FILMFORUM.PL website is created. Marta Karnkowska becomes the new editor-in-chief of the portal.
FILMFORUM develops its cultural activities, the effect of the script “NEW GENERATION” is the film “Ode to Joy” directed by Anna Kazejak, Jan Komasa and Maciej Migas.
Projects
In 2004, FILMFORUM organizes the following projects:
- nEW gENERATION
AKSON STUDIO & FILMFORUM.PL 1st Screenplay Competition [January – May 2004] - International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Warsaw
[April 2-4, 2004] - International Film Workshops ONE SHOT in Łeba
[June 25 – July 5, 2004] - Cinema OFF – a program for the promotion and presentation of independent cinema
[implemented since June 2004] - Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw
[October 1-2, 2004] - TOFFI Toruń Off Film Festival
[October 15-17, 2004]
The FILMFORUM Association is created
The function of the President of the Association is assumed by the organizer of film events from Poznań – Piotr Majdrowicz. Maciej Dominiak takes the position of the Vice President of FILMFORUM and coordinator of activities implemented in Warsaw. The board of the Association also includes: Marcin Kłujsza (treasurer, Poznań TV producer), Marta Karnkowska (artistic director of the International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Warsaw), Marceli Zielnik (technical director of FILMFORUM) and dr Mikołaj Jazdon (Poznań film expert). Rafał Buks becomes the head of the Audit Committee.
First partners / first projects
In the period of November – December 2003, the Association signed cooperation agreements with the CINEMA Film Magazine (where a special section dedicated to independent cinema branded by FILMFORUM is edited), the Kino Polska TV television station, the KINO monthly, the STOPKLATKA.PL website and many cultural initiatives on throughout the country. FILMFORUM has also started cooperation with numerous foreign partners (including the Medien CLIP Center in Berlin, Medien Werkstad in Oslo, and the ZAHRADA Cultural Center in Prague).
In 2003, the FILMFORUM Association organized the following projects:
- International Forum of Independent Feature Films in Warsaw,
- TOFFI Toruń Off Film Festival,
- KRAKFFA Krakow Film Festival,
- Young Cinema Festival in Warsaw.
FILMFORUM has started preparatory work related to the organization of the “AKSON STUDIO & FILMFORUM.PL” Screenwriting Competition, designed for young scriptwriters.
FILMFORUM in PHP
A new version of the portal in PHP version is launched, with a modern administration panel and automated website content management functions.
Maciej Dominiak is the editor-in-chief of the FILMFORUM.PL website.
First artistic activities
Maciej Dominiak and Marceli Zielnik join the group of FILMFORUM creators. In April 2002, “FILMFORUM” activities go beyond the Internet, the first film event organized by the environment related to FILMFORUM is created: CINEMAFORUM – International Forum of Independent Feature Films (then called “Oscariada”). Jan Machulski becomes the Honorary Artistic Director of the Festival.
Rafał Buks begins work on the film “1409 – Afer at Bartenstein Castle”.
Educational activities
Another important thematic section of the FILMFORUM.PL website is created – “Scenarios”. It theoretical basis is published in the episodes script writing course by Alex Epstein (Hollywood screenwriter and producer). All information on various aspects of screenwriting is also posted here, including the issue of copyright, a list of institutions involved in the screenplay acceptance in Poland, and information on screenplay competitions and workshops.
More website functions
In the pioneering times of the Internet in Poland, FILMFORUM.PL already has its own discussion forum and a constantly expanded resource of links to sites devoted to film (the “Singpost” section).
Development of the FILMFORUM.PL website
The website becomes a place of contact between amateur filmmakers and industry professionals. This is the purpose of the “Regular Guests” section, in which statements by professionals giving advice to novice filmmakers and sharing their knowledge of film creativity are posted.
New thematic sections
Thematic sections are created on FILMFORUM.PL: “Your experiences” and “Filmówk @ Filmforum”. The first of them publishes tips and experiences of filmmakers presented on the website. The second section contains advice on the theory of film production.
FILMFORUM.PL is created
The first version of the website (written in HTML) is the work of Rafał Buks, the main originator and author of the navigation system and portal structure. Olaf Młyński is the co-creator of the website.
FILMFORUM.PL in 1999
This is how FILMFORUM.PL looked like in 1999-2002 (design and software: Rafał Buks).
