Throughout the years, the Festival has undergone changes and continued to evolve. From the outset, however, it has always provided information and commentary on the present state of the world. Addressing important current topics, the Festival has dared to go against the grain. It thus became one of the most recognizable events of this type in Central Europe.
Over the years, two competitions have remained the core of the Festival program: the Main Dramatic Competition “Making Way” and the Polish Feature Film Competition. The first of the two sections is a showcase of ten directing debuts and second films from all over the world competing for the Andrzej Wajda Krakow Film Award of USD 25,000. In the Polish Feature Film Competition ten most interesting Polish titles have a chance to win the Dominika Kulczyk & dFlights Award of PLN 100,000. Other awards include those for Best Actress, Best Actor and Mastercard Rising Star for acting debut. The winners are selected by members of two juries comprised of outstanding international filmmakers and experts.
In 2023, during the upcoming 16th edition of the Festival, the Mastercard OFF CAMERA audiences will see films screened in regular, well-known and popular sections: American Indies – dedicated to daring, uncompromising and fascinating American cinema and Best of Fests – showcasing interesting productions awarded at international film festivals, that the Polish audience will have an opportunity to see on the silver screen, often for the first time.
You can also expect a multitude of amazing novelties: with four completely fresh film sections, the Festival audience will go on an unforgettable journey through film genres, conventions, phenomena and trends. On top of that, join us for numerous meetings with guests, film directors, special screenings, workshops, discussions and accompanying events.
