The 2nd edition of the "Echoes of Katyn" International Film Festival on Totalitarianisms organized by the Institute of National Remembrance took place on 15-18 April 2021. It was an exceptional edition, as it was conducted entirely on-line. During the Festival, we presented a total of 22 films, including 4 premieres produced last year by the Institute of National Remembrance. All of the films were available on the totalitaryzmy.pl.website.
In addition to the films, our viewers could participate in three very interesting on-line debates which touched upon the entire spectrum of issues related to various aspects of totalitarian regimes.
Five meetings with the filmmakers of productions featured during the Festival were also organized. The recordings are available on the IPNtv YouTube channel.
In addition, the IPN’s employees conducted two workshops:
- "Creative Archives!" - intended for beginner filmmakers, during which 40 participants learned the secrets of film editing and prepared their own short productions based on audiovisual materials from the IPN Archive. The 7 best works have been presented on our YouTube channel.
- "Using the IPN's archival materials" - was aimed at professional filmmakers. More than 60 creators, producers, directors and lecturers from various film academies took part in the classes prepared by the IPN Archive staff.
This year’s edition of the “Echoes of Katyn” International Film Festival on Totalitarianisms turned out to be a great success. The totalitaryzmy.pl website was visited 125,000 times. 10,850 access codes to the films were generated. The system recorded 6,120 film views. The most popular film in this respect was the IPN production "God’s Chosen One".
The jury of this year’s Festival had a very difficult task.
"Shadow Country", directed by Bohdan Sláma, unanimously received the first prize in the FEATURE LENGTH FILM CATEGORY of the 2nd edition of the "Echoes of Katyn" International Film Festival on Totalitarianisms. The jury decided to award the film primarily for its outstanding screenplay. "Shadow Country" presents a multitude of human dramas and attitudes of individuals faced with the reality of totalitarianism. It is a great story which can undoubtedly influence the fate of individuals. The film also deserves recognition for great acting and cinematography.
Choosing the winner in the SHORT AND MEDIUM LENGTH FILM CATEGORY turned out to be an even greater challenge. Ultimately, the 1st prize was awarded to the film “CASTAWAYS OF KERCH” directed by Stefano Conca Bonizzoni. The film received great praise for exceptional cinematography, as well as a concise and moving depiction of the little-known story of the Italian minority, people who were ruthlessly experienced by the Soviet totalitarian system.
As our audience members were able to express their opinions as to the films during the Festival, it was relatively easy to point to the winner of the AUDIENCE AWARD. It was granted to a Polish film „Opowieść o Miłości” [A Tale of Love] directed by Rafał Bryll. It is an exceptionally emotional film presenting the love story of a Pole and a Jewish girl during the time of German occupation.
The Janusz Kurtyka Prize for lifetime achievement was awarded to Dariusz Walusiak – an outstanding director and documentary filmmaker.
We would like to thank all viewers for participating in our Festival and to invite you to the next edition of the "Echoes of Katyn" International Film Festival on Totalitarianisms.