I thouroughly enjoy my visit to the OFF PLUS CAMERA International Festival of Independent Cinema (april 8-17) It is one of the most important and, at the same time, youngest film festivals in Poland. It takes place annually in Krakow as a part of the Krakow Municipality’s cultural project called The Six Senses.
Two things strike me mostly: first you cannot escape knowing a festival is happening in this (georgeous) city, posters, flags, exhibits...everywhere amrking the event. That is so rare hence worth mentionning.
Secondly the attention to gustes is simply outstanding, each guest has a perosnal assistant (they call them angels) who will focus on making sure you enjoy the visits. A full program is oragnised offering guided tours to the old city, jewish quarter, Salt Mines or Auschwitz for the braves...

Check my dailies on fest21.com

OFF PLUS CAMERA is a unique major event in Eastern Europe dedicated to the world’s independent cinema. The most important element of the festival program is the International Dramatic Competition, ‘Making Way’. The competition consists of 12 new first or second feature films made by independent young filmmakers all competing for the Krakow Film Award of $ 100,000. The winning director is chosen by members of an international jury comprised of acclaimed filmmakers and world cinema experts. In addition to the official selection of twelve films taking part in the competition, the OFF PLUS CAMERA program features some of the newest and most highly-praised films from the festival circuit. The premieres of several prominent films will also take place in Krakow during the festival, ahead of their general release.The OFF PLUS CAMERA program boasts national cinematography showcases, themed sections such as ‘From the Gut’ (showing American independent films), and retrospectives of some of the most revered names from the world of independent cinema. OFF PLUS CAMERA is a haven for good, often complex cinema. It is also a place for discussion, meetings and the sharing of ideas. To complement the independent theme all screenings are held in small and medium venues, staying away from multiplex theaters. The idea behind this decision was to pay tribute to the small movie theaters and so-called film discussion clubs which were the home of contemporary cinema during the oppressive years of Communism. In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s these venues functioned as meeting places for the Polish artistic and cultural elites. The Festival also features a variety of lectures, meetings with artists, discussion panels and musical events.