The Idea
The 17th edition of the Mastercard OFF CAMERA International Festival of Independent Cinema is already behind. 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 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 2024, during the 17th edition of the Festival, the Mastercard OFF CAMERA audiences watched 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 had great opportunity to see on the silver screen, often for the first time.
There was also 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, we joined meetings with guests, film directors, special screenings, workshops, discussions and accompanying events.
ARTISTIC CONCEPT 2025
The upcoming 18th edition of the Mastercard OFF CAMERA International Festival of Independent Cinema inevitably prompts some sentimental reflections. After all, our festival is now an “adult” festival; in this context, it is hard not to think of the hundreds of exceptional films we have shown to audiences in Krakow and the award-winning filmmakers. Many of them, thanks to the Andrzej Wajda Cracow Film Award, have been able to work quietly on developing ideas for their new productions. For from the very beginning, the mission and unique strength of Mastercard OFF CAMERA has been to actively support young filmmakers.
It’s also hard not to reflect, even for a moment, on the defining events of our reality over the past two decades that have coincided with the festival. The Smolensk catastrophe, the pandemic, and the need to organize online cultural events for several years. On top of that, more brutal wars, and conflicts around the world, led by the bloody events in Ukraine and Gaza, or right-wing turnarounds in the US and Western European countries. These are just some of them. Although, as in life, we also have experienced memorable, pleasant, and exceptional moments, as well as positive emotions. Headlined by visits from our guests, special screenings with their participation and lively discussions after the films shown in our flagship Main Competition, “Making Way”.
During the upcoming Festival, we will take an in-depth look at the sometimes painful, sometimes joyful reality that surrounds us, together with the filmmakers of the films presented in Krakow. In line with the title of the cult Bollywood film from years ago – “Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow”, we firmly believe that the world is never black or white. What is emphatically confirmed by the adventures of the past eighteen years, within the framework of which, truly cinematic, laughter alternated with tears and suffering with laughter.
During this edition of Mastercard OFF CAMERA, we would like to remind you of this complex yet fascinating ambivalence. It can be seen, on the one hand, in the carefully selected productions from our program this year. On the other hand, at the forefront of those shown in special thematic sections. This year we will look at love and its various forms, but also at reparation and revenge, and together we will consider whether they can bring relief. We’ll follow stories about boys’ unconventional adolescence and attempts to redefine ossified cultural norms around masculinity. And at the same time, we’ll look at pressing current issues around hygiene and mental health.
If the past eighteen years have taught us anything, it is precisely not to be afraid of a multidimensional, complex, and unpredictable reality. And to remember while its indispensable features are precisely ambivalence and confusion. This may be insufficient consolation in difficult times, but, as the history of cinema and humanity shows, nothing is ever black or white. Whether we like it or not. It is heartening, however, that even after the most terrible storm the sun comes out. As many as possible of these bright little moments, understood both literally and metaphorically, I wish everyone during the coming ten festival days of the unique 18th edition of Mastercard OFF CAMERA.