The 45th edition of the Young and Film Festival concluded last weekend, bringing several awards to filmmakers associated with the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School at the University of Silesia in Katowice.

Silver, directed by our alumna and current doctoral student Natalia Koniarz, won the Grand Amber Award (Wielki Jantar) in the Full-Length Documentary Debuts Competition. The film was praised for its mature cinematic language, trust in the audience, and remarkable emotional impact. In addition, Stanisław Cuske, also a Film School alumnus, received the Best Cinematography Award for his work on the film, recognized for its unique atmosphere and striking visual qualities.

The Best Screenplay Award in the Full-Length Feature Debuts Competition went to Kordian Kądziela, our alumnus, and Michał Wawrzecki for LARP. Love, Trolls and Other Quests. The jury appreciated the film's fresh approach to genre cinema, its sense of humor, and its sensitive portrayal of human relationships.

The Arkadiusz Tomiak Award for Cinematography was presented to our lecturer Tomasz Woźniczka for his work on Glorious Summer. The jury highlighted the film's consistent visual vision and its masterful creation of atmosphere.

The Journalists' Award was presented to Kontrewers, directed by Zuza Banasińska and produced by our alumna Aleksandra Aleksander. The film was recognized for its original form, artistic courage, and exploration of new cinematic means of expression.

Another Journalists' Award went to Mr. Śliwka's Signs, directed by Urszula Morga and Bartosz Mikołajczyk, both graduates of the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School. The jury praised the creative use of archival materials and the moving portrait of renowned graphic designer Karol Śliwka, highlighting the connections between his work and Poland's history.

We warmly congratulate all the award winners on their achievements.