International Festival
of Independent Cinema

As every year, we are looking for brave, uncompromising films. Features whose filmmakers break the narrative patterns, play with genre clichés and create a new aesthetic quality. At the same time, we appreciate cinema that tells engaging, captivating stories. Films which will resonate with viewers long after the screening – says the Artistic Director of Mastercard OFF CAMERA, Grzegorz Stępniak. Submissions for the Main Dramatic Competition “Making Way” and the Polish Feature Film Competition of the 19th edition of the Festival are open starting from the beginning of November.

The nineteenth edition of Mastercard OFF CAMERA International Festival of Independent Cinema traditionally takes place at the turn of April and May. However, the organizers open up the entries for the Polish and the international competitions in November 2025.

Over the last years, we have screened around two hundred first and second features from around the world in the Main Dramatic Competition “Making Way”, which was preceded by watching several thousands of submissions. Many of the titles, such as “Momma’s Man”, “La Nana”, “Teddy Bear”,  “Eastern Boys” and “Power Alley” have already became classics of the latest independent cinema. On the other hand, the Polish Feature Film Competition has consistently supported and promoted Polish cinema at international level – points out Grzegorz Stępniak, the Artistic Director of Mastercard OFF CAMERA.

The Main Competition is the most important part of the Krakow celebration of independent cinema. It is dedicated to first and second full-length features from all around the world, which – as indicated by the name and motto of the Competition – are making way. They are bold, absorbing and unlikely. Their filmmakers compete for USD 25,000.

Polish Feature Film Competition showcases productions, no more than the fifth, made by a particular director from Poland. The award amounts to PLN 100,000.

Among the winners of the Andrzej Wajda Krakow Film Award it is worth mentioning Ukrainian director Tonya Noyabrova (film “Do You Love Me?”), and Azazel Jacobs whose productions are now available in global streaming services. Awards were granted also to a Golden Globes nominee Jayro Bustamante, and the following uncompromising female directors: Maura Delpero, Isabel Lamberti, Marianne Blicher and Nelicia Low who have been changing the heavily masculinized face of the world of cinema. The winners of the next edition of Mastercard OFF CAMERA competitions will be announced at the Closing Gala in May 2026.

HOW TO SUBMIT FILMS TO MASTERCARD OFF CAMERA COMPETITIONS?

• Submissions should be made via the FilmFreeway platform at: filmfreeway.com by the deadline of February 28th, 2026.
• The Main Dramatic Competition is international.
• The Polish Feature Film Competition is dedicated to Polish productions.
• The list of films qualified for both competitions shall be announced in the second half of April 2026.
• The winners in both competitions shall be selected by an international jury comprised of outstanding and awarded filmmakers.
• The winners will be announced during the 19th edition of the Mastercard OFF CAMERA International Festival of Independent Cinema in Krakow.

For detailed information on submissions, please contact:

Grzegorz Stępniak – Artistic Director of the Festival: g.stepniak@offcamera.pl