International Festival of Independent Cinema Off Camera

The International Festival of Independent Cinema Off Camera is a highly esteemed film festival held annually in Kraków, Poland. This vibrant celebration of independent cinema showcases up to 400 film screenings, along with seminars, internationally renowned stars, special guests, and a member jury. It is a unique event in Poland that fosters creative dialogue among global experts from other renowned independent film festivals like Sundance, CineVegas, as well as festivals in cities such as Bangkok, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Busan, Dubai, Kolkata, Los Angeles, Reykjavík, Rotterdam, Toronto, and Venice.

Supported by the City of Kraków and international sponsors including Lufthansa, Mercedes-Benz, and Sony, Off Camera offers a rich and diverse range of films and programming. The festival is organized by the Society for Independent and Similar Arts Off Camera as part of Kraków's "Six Senses" initiative to enhance the city's artistic life. It invites aspiring filmmakers, directors, actors, and film industry experts from around the globe to engage with audiences and gather invaluable feedback.

The festival is led by Szymon Miszczak as the director, with Ania Trzebiatowska serving as the artistic director. The screenings take place in intimate studio theaters within Kraków's historic Old Town, featuring works by acclaimed directors and retrospectives of influential figures in independent cinema.

A major highlight of the festival is the Main Competition, known as "Making Way" where films from around the world compete for the prestigious Kraków Film Award, which includes a cash prize presented by Kraków's President. The jury evaluates films based on quality, artistic merit, filming techniques, and the unique vision of the directors. Additionally, the festival hosts the Polish Feature Film Competition, spotlighting the talents of Polish producers and filmmakers.

Since its inception in 2008, originally named "Off Plus Camera" the festival has evolved and rebranded to its current name, "PKO Off Camera." Over the years, it has consistently presented a diverse lineup of films, conducted industry workshops, and welcomed notable guests from the film world. Its international acclaim has solidified its status as a significant platform for independent cinema in Europe.

With its strong emphasis on independent filmmaking, artistic expression, and cultural exchange, the International Festival of Independent Cinema Off Camera remains a key event in the cinematic calendar, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie enthusiasts from all corners of the world.