Winners of 11th Spektrum

On Saturday, October 25, during the official awards gala, the winners of the 11th Spektrum Film Festival were announced. Which films received the highest recognition in The Youth Perspective and 1,2 competitions?

On the penultimate day of the festival, awards were presented in The Youth Perspective short film competitions for young filmmakers, where a three-person jury—composed of representatives of the film and art world—selected their favorite in each category (Short Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Amateur). In addition, the audience also chose their favorite among all the short films across the four competitions (this year there were as many as 49!), awarding the Audience Award. The audience’s favorite was selected by viewers not only from the Polish, but also the Czech edition of Spektrum.

In addition to the main jury, the films were also evaluated by local juries: participants of occupational therapy workshops in Mokrzeszów judged the Short Fiction section, the Documentary section was reviewed by inmates of the Świdnica Remand Centre, the Animation competition by participants of the “Animacje z pasją” project, the Amateur Competition by members of the Świdnica Youth City Council, while in the 1,2 Competition the only jury was the festival audience.

The awards have found their reflection not only in the form of statuettes but also in the city space of Świdnica. On Wednesday, three new trees were planted, expanding the city’s cinematic map. Each tree will have a plaque with a QR code allowing viewers to watch the winning film. The competition statuettes, meanwhile, were created by the Wrocław-based Zakwas studio — once again this year crafted from their proprietary ceramic compound made from locally sourced materials.

Competition 1, 2

Loss of Balance, dir. Korek Bojanowski (Poland 2024)

The Youth Perspective — Short Fiction

Main Award

Ave Eva, dir. Agnieszka Nowosielska (Poland 2024)

For a story told in an attentive, non-intrusive, and noble way. For the excellent command of cinematic language and — last but not least — outstanding casting (a round of applause for Zofia Zoń!). And for the greatest compliment one can give a film today: it could have been longer. In short — we’re eagerly awaiting the feature version! Congratulations — we’re thrilled to witness the emergence of a new voice in Polish cinema. We’re rooting for you!

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Special mention went to Karateka, dir. Florence Fauquet (France 2024) for:
a delicate, much-needed, and at the same time provocative portrayal of women’s everyday lives — steadfast in the face of challenges.

Niepełny kadr

Confrontation dir. Marie Abbenanti, Sandy Pujol Latour (France 2025)

We chose this film because too little is said about this subject — it remains a taboo. The protagonist confronted not so much the perpetrator as her own fears, trauma, and pain.

The Youth Perspective — Documentary

Main Award

Paul en Paul, dir. Hugo Drechsler (Netherlands 2023)

For the visual consistency and the creation of a close relationship with the protagonists, who share with us the traumatic stories of their family. For combining tenderness and humor in offering a chance to heal the deepest wounds.
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Special mention went to Welcome Home Freckles, dir. Huiju Park (United Kingdom 2025)
for the courage to break through the victim’s shame and for the emotional maturity shown in confronting generational family violence.

Kinematografek Award

Olga, dir. Lulu Pomorova (Poland 2024)

Jury gave two special metions – Speedy dir. Jakub Kosobudzki and Polio dir. Klára Kubenková.

The Youth Perspective — Animation

Main Award

Mother’s Child, dir. Naomi Noir (Netherlands 2024)

for addressing an important social issue rarely explored in animation, as well as for the use of an original artistic style that underscores and amplifies the film’s message.
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Two special mention went to World at Stake, dir. Susanna Flock, Adrian Jonas Haim, Jona Kleinlein (Austria 2025) and There is plenty of fish in the sea, dir. Joanna Szlembarska (Poland 2025)

Nagroda uczestników projektu Animacje z pasją

Void Spaces, dir. Marta Koch (Poland 2024)

For a film that, through its appealing visual design and clear narrative, conveys emotional awareness while carrying an important message — that no state lasts forever.
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Special mention went to Como si la tierra se las hubiera tragadoa, dir. Natalia León (France 2024) for bringing attention to a topic that often remains unseen, for expressing emotion through the use of contrasting colors, and for the film’s consistent narrative development.

The Youth Perspective — Amateur

Main Award

From the first to the last, dir. Wojciech Bogdan Hofman (Poland 2025)

For the use of intriguing formal techniques and an empathetically crafted narrative that draws attention to what has become invisible.

For creating a cinematic “Psalm of Those Standing in Line.”

Świdnica Youth City Council Award

Savioress, dir. Łukasz Skorża (Poland 2025)

For an engaging story, a surprising ending, and excellent performances by the young actors.

Audience Award in The Youth Perspective competitions

Como si la tierra se las hubiera tragadoa, dir. Natalia León (France 2024)

We warmly congratulate all the winners!