On Sunday, August 18, the 3rd edition of BiG Festivalowski came to a close with a gala at the Karol Szymanowski State Music School in Płock, where the winners of the first-ever SHORT Festivalowski International Short Film Competition were revealed.
The competition’s official selection featured 18 short comedies from around the world. Ranging from light-hearted to bittersweet and delightfully absurd, the films entertained audiences over two days with their many different shades of humor. The jury—Janusz Zaorski (chair), Przemysław Chruścielewski, Agnieszka Dziedzic, and Andrzej Grabowski—selected DEAD CAT, directed by Annie-Claude Caron and Danick Audet, as the funniest film in the competition, awarding it the festival’s top prize: the GRAND Festivalowski.
Who else took home awards and special mentions? See the full list of winners below.
● GRAND Festivalowski
Grand Prix of the SHORT Festivalowski International Short Film Competition
Cash prize: $1,500
DEAD CAT, dir. Annie-Claude Caron, Danick Audet
For a comedy packed with twists and turns and for consistently finding humor in every scene.
● SMALL Festivalowski
Special Prize of the SHORT Festivalowski International Short Film Competition
Cash prize: $500
BE SOMEBODY (BYĆ KIMŚ), dir. Michał Toczek
For portraying a journey full of uniquely Polish paradoxes—from electrician to president and back again.
● Special Mention
DEATH AND RAMEN, dir. Tiger Ji
For a bold and flavorful take on the drama of death, showing how even a simple dish can become the starting point for a deeper story.
● Audience Award
OLD SUMMER (STARSZA PANI SZUKA), dir. Maria Wider
Congratulations to all the winners! We’re already looking forward to seeing you at the 4th edition of BiG Festivalowski in Płock and the next SHORT Festivalowski.
