DOUBLE INTERNATIONAL TRIUMPH FOR DAMIAN KOSOWSKI’S “PEOPLE&THINGS”
The short film “People&Things”, directed by Damian Kosowski, has achieved a remarkable international success, winning the Best Short Film Award at two prestigious festivals – FilmFestival Cottbus in Germany and the Oslo Film Festival in Norway.
At the 34th edition of FilmFestival Cottbus, recognized as one of the leading global events dedicated to Eastern European cinema, Kosowski’s film triumphed in the short film competition. The jury described it as “a metaphorical slap in the face — a very powerful and deeply moving portrayal of what reality might look like”. Founded in 1991, the festival attracts both industry professionals and a wide audience, presenting films that range from arthouse to genre cinema.
Almost simultaneously, “People and Things” was also honored at the Oslo Film Festival 2025. The Norwegian festival showcases independent productions by filmmakers from around the world, serving as a platform for discovering new voices and emerging talents. This year’s edition featured ten international short films, with Kosowski’s work standing out as the winner of the main award.
Set in the near future, in post-war Ukraine, the film follows 34-year-old Olena (Oksana Cherkashyna), who travels with her eight-year-old daughter Kira (Kira Makidon) and her friend Tymur (Stanislav Voitsekhovskyi) to collect DNA test results confirming the death of her missing husband. Confronted with the exhumed victims of war, Olena faces a painful choice between the past that haunts her and the life that remains.
The double international recognition of “People and Things” is not only a testament to Damian Kosowski’s artistic mastery but also a reflection of the growing strength and global visibility of Polish short filmmaking.
More information about the festivals and the awarded films can be found on the official websites of The Oslo Film Festival and FilmFestival Cottbus.