POLISH PRESENCE AT THE CLERMONT-FERRAND INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL AND MARKET 2026

Four Polish films in the festival programme, a Polish Shorts booth at the Short Film Market, an industry screening of seven new Polish shorts, a national delegation, and a range of accompanying events together form an exceptionally strong Polish presence in Clermont-Ferrand.

Polish short cinema once again makes a significant mark at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and its accompanying Short Film Market – the world’s largest and most significant event devoted to short-form filmmaking. During the festival’s 48th edition, taking place from 31 January to 8 February 2026, Polish films will be showcased in the international competition as well as in special sections and programmes for young audiences. At the same time, a sizeable Polish delegation is going to actively participate in industry events running alongside the festival.

Polish films in the festival programme

One of the key highlights is the selection of Dying of the Young Deer, directed by Angelika Cygal and produced by the Łódź Film School, for the International Competition. Meanwhile, Bartosz Stankiewicz’s My Secret Cyberlove, also produced by the Łódź Film School, has been invited to participate in the European Short Film Audience Award (ESFAA) programme.

Polish animated films are going to be featured in the family and young audience sections, with screenings of Birds of Paradise, directed by Tomek Ducki and produced by EGoFILM, Paris+Hendzel Co and Melocoton, as well as Experiences and Learning. And Parenting. directed and produced by Małgorzata Rybak.

The Polish Shorts booth at the Short Film Market

Held in parallel with the festival, the Short Film Market serves as a key professional platform for the international short film community. Poland’s presence at the market is anchored by the Polish Shorts booth, organised by the Krakow Film Foundation. Acting as a central meeting point, the stand brings together producers, distributors, sales agents and festival representatives interested in collaborating with Polish filmmakers and gaining access to the latest Polish short film productions.

Industry events with Polish participation

Industry-focused events aimed at an international professional audience form another important pillar of Poland’s presence in Clermont-Ferrand.

One of such events is the Polish Shorts Meet & Greet, scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February. This networking event at the Polish booth will offer market participants the opportunity to meet the Polish delegation, discuss current productions, and learn more about the Polish short film landscape.

Later that day, at 8.00 pm at the Georges Conchon Theatre, a special industry screening – Polish Shorts Presents: Market Screening – will showcase seven Polish films: No Song in the Air by Joanna Różniak, produced by Studio Munka SFP; Fanatic by Mateusz Jarmulski, produced by Animoon; Bacewicz x Bomsori by Jakub Piątek, produced by Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne and Telemark; The Clever Plan by Igor Sas, produced by the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Katowice; Territory by Barbara Synak, produced by the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw; Princessy by Franciszek Korolczuk, produced by the Warsaw Film School; and Prometheuses by Szymon Ruczyński, produced by the Łódź Film School.

The Polish delegation will also take part in Euro Connection (3-4 February), a prestigious co-production forum for short film producers. Anna Mroczek, representing WJTeam, has been selected for Producers in Focus.

In addition, on 4 February the Polish Shorts booth will host a meeting with representatives of the Polish Film Institute devoted to Poland’s film funding system, including grants, financial incentives, and co-production opportunities.

Poland’s presence at the market is going to culminate in the official closing cocktail, partnered by the Polish Film Institute. The Institute’s involvement will be highlighted in the event’s branding, and its representatives, alongside the festival and market organisers, will welcome invited guests.

Polish delegation

Poland’s presence in Clermont-Ferrand is shaped by a broad delegation of representatives from film institutions, festivals, film schools, sales companies, and the creative community. The coordination of promotional activities and the organisation of the Polish Shorts stand are overseen by the Krakow Film Foundation.

The delegation includes representatives of the Polish Film Institute, the Warsaw Film School, the Krakow Film Festival, the Etiuda&Anima International Film Festival, the Short Waves Festival, the Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival, New Europe Film Sales, as well as producers from WJTeam involved in the Euro Connection programme. Angelika Cygal, director of the film selected for the international competition, is also going to be present.

Such a wide, multi-layered representation enables a comprehensive promotion of Polish short cinema – from debut films and education, through production and distribution, to an active presence on the international festival and market circuit.

The organisation of the Polish stand at the Clermont-Ferrand market is made possible thanks to funding from the Polish Film Institute.