Films in The Competition “1,2”

The Competition “1,2” is a space for filmmakers who boldly step into the world of feature-length cinema.

The films selected here often grow out of personal experiences, challenge the status quo, experiment formally and narratively, and stand out with fresh perspectives, artistic risk, and the strength of an authorial vision. Now they face their most important task: to convince the festival audience that they deserve the award — because it is the viewers who, by voting, will choose the winner.

Glorious Summer, dir. Helena Ganjalyan, Bartosz Szpak, Poland 2025

Three women live in a responsibility-free bubble, where summer never ends. But there is one rule: they must not cross the wall surrounding the palace.

The feature debut of the Ganjalyan–Szpak duo has already caught the attention of critics at international showcases — reviews praise its sharp, minimalist visual language and the claustrophobic atmosphere of a golden cage. Screened at SXSW 2025 and New Horizons 2025, the film entered international sales with the agency Alief.

After the screening, the audience will have the chance to meet the filmmakers during a moderated discussion.

Where Do We Begin, dir. Monika Majorek, Poland 2024

After years away, Ola returns to her family home to confront the past. A subtle, multi-voiced story about loss, the need for reconciliation, and the fragility of bonds.

Monika Majorek, author of award-winning short films and recipient of honors such as the Panavision Film Award and the New Horizons Studio Scholarship, debuts with a feature film that is already attracting festival interest.

The film was screened in Trutnov, and a coach will take the Świdnica audience to the screening. Reservations can be made at the Festival Center during the event. After the screening, there will be a meeting with the director.

Fwends, dir. Sophie Somerville, Australia 2025

When Jessie’s long-estranged friend from Sydney unexpectedly arrives in Melbourne, the two women spend the weekend together, trying to distract themselves from their many problems and existential dread.

Sophie Somerville has already built a strong festival profile with her short films, winning the prestigious Dendy Award twice at the Sydney Film Festival — in 2023 for Linda 4 Eva and in 2021 for Peeps. She has presented her work worldwide (Telluride, London Short Film Festival), earning recognition for her subtle portraits of human relationships.

Loss of Balance, dir. Korek Bojanowski, Polska 2024

Maja, an acting student, regains confidence in herself and her abilities thanks to a passionate director. But when she discovers his violent teaching methods, she decides to bring him to justice.

Korek Bojanowski’s feature debut has been collecting awards and nominations at national and international festivals, including Best Directorial Debut, the award for the most applauded film, and the Polish Federation of Film Discussion Clubs Award at the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia. The young actors — Nel Kaczmarek and Mikołaj Matczak — were hailed as Acting Discoveries at the Koszalin Debut Film Festival Młodzi i Film.

The director will attend meetings with audiences in Świdnica and Trutnov, joined in the Czech Republic by Nel Kaczmarek.

Growing Down, dir. Bálint Dániel Sós, Hungary 2025

As the only witness to a tragic accident, a widowed father must decide whether to sacrifice his son’s future for the truth, or his own integrity for a lie.

Bálint Dániel Sós has gained recognition with his short films, which have been screened across European festivals. His feature debut became one of the highlights of the Berlinale’s Perspectives section. His ability to combine intimate storytelling with a sociological message makes him one of the most intriguing voices in contemporary Hungarian cinema.

Życie dla początkujących, dir. Paweł Podolski, Poland 2025

A subversive comedy showing that there’s no need to be afraid of vampires. Paweł Podolski’s feature debut casts new light on Polish vampire cinema.

In 2020, Paweł Podolski directed the short Do Monsters Eat Kiwi?, awarded at festivals in Austin and Portland, among others. In 2022, together with Agnieszka Śladkowska, he won the Script Pro competition with the family film script Franek Błyskawica: Operation Dragonfly.

After the screening, there will be a meeting with actress Magdalena Maścianica, who won the Mastercard Rising Star Award for her role in this film.