Sunday evening at the Teatr Dramatyczny in Płock was all about comedy. During the grand finale of the 4th BiG Festivalowski, the winners of the 2nd SHORT Festivalowski International Short Film Competition—co-organized by the FILMFORUM Association—were announced.
This year’s SHORT Festivalowski lineup included 23 short comedies from around the world, ranging from lighthearted and cheerful to ironically bittersweet and completely absurd. Each film charmed the audience in its own way, leaving viewers laughing long after the final credits rolled.
After careful deliberation, the jury—made up of Michał Chaciński (chair), Jacek Borusiński, Tomasz Kot, and Maria Zbąska—unanimously selected NIGHT SESSION, directed by Ballard C. Boyd, as the festival’s standout comedy. The film’s creators were awarded the competition’s top prize, the GRAND Festivalowski, along with a $1,500 USD cash award. The film was celebrated not only for its overall polish but, most importantly, for capturing the essence of comedy—a concept that is at once funny, clever, and moving.
NIGHT SESSION delighted not only the jury but also the audience, who unanimously voted Boyd’s film as the funniest and most captivating entry in the competition, earning it the Audience Award as well.
The SMALL Festivalowski Award was presented to Sofija Živković for the animated film DO SOMETHING, which the jury described as “a small film about a big issue.” The film also received a $500 USD cash prize.
Honorary mentions went to Mateusz Pacewicz for STIMULANTS & EMPATHOGENS and Kacper Buratyński for the animation THOUGH THEY MAY FORGET US. These films were recognized for their bold approach to politically sensitive subjects and for their clever, impactful humor.
Congratulations to all the winners! Right now, we warmly invite you to mark your calendars for the 5th BiG Festivalowski and the next edition of SHORT Festivalowski in Płock!
The BiG Festivalowski is organized by BiG Festivalowski sp. z o.o.
The SHORT Festivalowski International Short Film Competition is organized by BiG Festivalowski sp. z o.o. in collaboration with the FILMFORUM Association.
The festival is funded by the Mazovian Voivodeship and the City of Płock, with additional support from the Płock Center for Culture and Art (POKiS) and the Mazovian Museum in Płock.