The experience of the pandemic has affected every area of our lives, from finances to mental health. For many people the lockdown was a defining moment, but also a time when frustrations, fears and anxieties increasingly came to the surface. The narratives spun by the media didn’t help, often aggravating our stress. We live in a time when we’re constantly bombarded with information and it can become too much to handle, taking a toll on our psyches. Fortunately this is no longer a taboo subject or something to be ashamed of. Neuroses, disorders and depression as a lifestyle disease are being more openly and publicly discussed, in large part because famous and highly respected people have been willing to come out. Cinema has always been drawn to neurotic, complex characters, and while sensitivity might seem to be a liability, these representations are often positive and touching, full of humanism, warmth and empathy. In this year's section of Mastercard OFF CAMERA we reflect on the importance of mental health in these difficult times, and show that what seems to be a weakness can be turned into real strength.

  American cinema has always been very much about stories. Stories that stimulate the imagination, are bold and, above all, diverse. Sometimes tongue-in-cheek, at other times a little more serious, they portray characters entangled in various traps, the ups and downs of life overseas. Although the protagonists’ reality is changing as dynamically as the American landscape, they will not hesitate to fulfil their dreams, cross borders and live their own lives. No wonder, because who wouldn't want to confront the mythical American dream? The search for one's own path and courageous self-expression is something common to both film characters and rebellious creators. It is no coincidence that the United States has become the cradle of independent cinema, associated with unfettered artistic freedom. It is there, with the iconic Sundance Film Festival at the forefront, that we seek out films for this section – ones that seep straight into the body through the screen. The partner of the section is TVN. 

In this section, we will see the latest films by recognised directors, but also productions of budding filmmakers who captured the attention of audiences and critics around the world. These films, highly appreciated by our programmers, often combine commercial potential with an independent, creative spirit and rebellious nature.

CINEMA BY THE GALERIA KRAKOWSKA SHOPPING CENTER Jan Nowak-Jeziorański Square Galeria Krakowska and the main train station right next door have thousands of people passing through them every day. This makes it an ideal space for the festival's open-air cinema.    

CRUISE SHIP CINEMA “Nimfa” is a cruise ship, transporting tourists since the 1950s. It is the oldest of such ships cruising the Vistula River. Though it is mainly used to organize cruises down the river following the main historical treasures of Krakow, it is far from being its only function. From the very beginning the ship has also been used as a location of many events and concerts, which has secured it a place in the memory of many generations. The partner of the cinema is Storytel.

The international competition for the Krakow Film Award is the main section of the Mastercard OFF CAMERA Festival.   Festival audiences will be the first in Poland to see the debuts and second films of the most talked-about artists from around the world. These are the films that delighted audiences at the biggest film events, including festivals in Toronto, Locarno, Rotterdam and Sundance.    The films in the „Making Way” competition will compete for the Krakow Film Award, granted by the International Jury and amounting to $ 25 000.  

This unique section is supposed to familiarize the Mastercard OFF CAMERA audience with Norwegian and Icelandic cinematography, which still remain largely unknown in Poland. Selected in close collaboration with programmers of the prestigious Bergen International Film Festival – these films represent all that’s the most interesting and widely discussed in terms of Nordic cinema. Starting from themes around the complicated social and historical past, through highs and lows of the romantic relations, as well as systemic traps originating from the power of oppressive institutions. These productions, shot over the last couple of years, are the review of the latest achievements of Nordic cinematography, which is associated in the Middle-Eastern Europe only with very few directors, who won international publicity. It’s high time that we opened the “Nordic Horizons” for the Polish audiences and  allow it to check out on their own how much they’ve got to offer. To see with one’s own eyes how to juxtapose subtle sense of humor with a piercing gaze and with how to talk, with great sensitivity, about difficult social and cultural matters.

NCK CINEMA IN NOWA HUTA al. Jana Pawła II 232 Another spot on the map of our festival is a guarantee of good cinema in exceptional circumstances provided by one of the most beautiful, historic districts of Krakow – Nowa Huta.  

You can watch selected movies from two sections: Nordic Horizons and The Future Starts Now on www.playkrakow.com.