FIVE AWARDS FOR POLISH SHORT FILMS AT ICELANDIC FESTIVAL
The lastest edition of the Pigeon International Film Festival took place in Ísafjörður, Iceland, from 8 to 11 October. The programme featured 11 Polish productions, four of which received awards from the jury. “Bacewicz x Bomsori”, directed by Jakub Piątek; “Dad’s Not Home”, directed by Jan Saczek, and “Can You See?”, directed by Cezary Orłowski, each received on award, while “Neverlandex”, directed by Agata Kapuścińska, won two.
The Pigeon International Film Festival has been showcasing films from around the world for five years, promoting cultural and linguistic diversity through cinema. This year’s programme featured 41 films, including 11 from Poland.
“Bacewicz x Bomsori”, directed by Jakub Piątek, won the award for Best Directing in the documentary category. The film follows South Korean violinist Bomsori Kim as she prepares to perform Grażyna Bacewisz’s Polish Rhapsody for violin and orchestra live. The concert took place on 7 March 2025 at the National Forum of Music in Wrocław. As she explores the piece, the violinist also gains a deeper understanding of its composer.
Jan Saczek received the Best Directing award in the short fiction category for “Dad’s Not Home”. The film follows two brothers who conceal from the outside world that their father is suffering from frontotemporal dementia. Together, they take care of both their home and their father, trying to support each other through a difficult situation.
In the same category, the award for Best Script went to Dagmara Cioska and Małgorzata Tusińska for “Can You See?”, directed by Cezary orłowski. The film centres on Teresa, whose life is turned upside down when a stain on her kitchen window is declared a miracle. Crowds of pilgrims begin arriving at her home, and she gradually feels increasingly invisible. Torn between faith, social expectations and her own desires, she tries to reclaim her sense of self in a world that no longer sees her.
Agata Kapucińska’s “Neverlandex” received two awards: Best Cinematography for Mateusz Gzal and Best Short. The film tells the story of Piotr, who is convinced that his allergies will soon cause his death. His father fuels these fears by filling his head with terrifying stories while attempting to keep his life under tight control. One day, Piotr comes across an old crossword puzzle that sets him on a journey toward independence.