Festival

ŻUBROFFKA International Short Film Festival for several years has been building a cultural bridge between East and West, North and South, thanks to which creative energy from all over the world meets in Bialystok and Podlachia.

The festival, which has evolved from a small intimate event to the largest film event in north-eastern Poland, is open and borderless, respects diversity, is a meeting place for open creators, with a sense of humor and those who value nature and its creations.

An important part of the festival are competitions – films are presented and evaluated in eight categories. The Eastward Window and Whole Wide World competitions present the most interesting short films made outside of Poland, while the Feature.pl, Animation.pl and Documentary.pl competitions are directed to Polish filmmakers. The other three competitions have an open formula for both national and foreign filmmakers, and are as follows: On the Edge – competition for the best experimental film and video art, Music Video – competition for the best music video, and Kids – competition for the best film for children. In the last two competitions, the films are judged by the viewers themselves, in all the others – by the international jury.

The main prize awarded at the ŻUBROFFKA is the Grand Prix of the Festival. Prizes are also awarded in all competition categories. Special prizes are also received by the best animation, documentary and feature, as well as movies with the best cinematography and music. A special place on the list of awards is occupied by the Wild Bison Award, i.e. the Audience Award. Polish and foreign journalists have also been granting their prizes since 2019.

Traditionally, the festival opens in full swing, with international music stars playing live to silent films. So far, among others, the Forum cinema stage hosted: DJ Qbert, Mum, Blockhead, Kode9, Christian Löffler, Forest Swords or Janus Rasmussen.

ŻUBROFFKA is not only a review of the latest achievements of short filmmakers. The idea of the festival is a comprehensive approach to film art, which is why the program always includes workshops for children and adults, international film breakfasts, panel discussions, exhibitions and even therapeutic film sessions.

From mornings until late evenings, short films from around the world are shown in various locations of Białystok and Podlachia, while festival nights abound with concerts of contemporary electronic and club music. Until now, during the festival you could hear artists such as: Tommy Cash, Mad Professor, Aston Harvey and The Freestylers, Little Big, Uproot Andy, Orgonite, RSS B0YS, Kelman Duran, Coucou Chloe, Pedro, or Dj Khalab.

The festival is organized by the Białystok Cultural Center – “GAG” Film Discussion Club.
The festival is made thanks to the Białystok City’s budget.