Short films are the best way to dissect and illuminate our world. As Anton Chekhov put it, brevity is the sister of talent. In this regard, the short form demands that artists focus on the essential, extracting the pith of the matter for audience to see. Such wisdom is not lost on the organisers of Short Waves, one of Poland's and Europe's premier short film festivals, which has amassed a loyal following in recent years while continuing to allure new viewers with its top-tier cinematic experiences. "The festival's wide spectrum of genres, forms, and subject matter sets it apart from other events of its kind. It also demonstrates that many short films can surpass their feature-length counterparts", acknowledge the festival participants.

In mid-November, the Ad Arte Foundation for Cultural Education, and the Castle (Zamek) Cultural Centre will once again present the latest short films from around the globe. "This year's Short Waves Festival is devoted to reconstruction and transformation. Its slogan, "Rethink/Rebuild", conveys a process, a method and a challenge that embodies openness to change and the audacity to contribute to creation", they explain. The festival's offerings include over 50 films, musical performances, and interdisciplinary presentations, to be showcased in Poznań's cinemas and cultural institutions, as well as - once again - an online selection (from 20 to 30 November). Supplementing the cinematic experiences are live podcasts, Q&A sessions, and festival club events, collectively offering an excellent opportunity to connect with festival guests and film industry professionals. It's an event brimming with excitement!

This year's films will be divided into four distinct competitions: Polish, International, Moves, and Raw. The Polish Competition, as the name implies, will showcase a curated selection of outstanding works from the world of Polish cinematography. Zuzanna Sobolewska, the festival's spokeswoman, elaborates: "After three years operating as a separate section of the Short Waves Festival, the Polish Experimental Film Competition is now merging with the Polish Competition. The intention is to transcend established conventions and categories and present the full spectrum of Polish short cinema, including experimental films, on an equal footing with other genres". In the International Competition, the spotlight will be on the finest global short film masterpieces. This year, we are proud to present 23 films arranged into five programmes. The Moves Competition features films that revolve around movement. "Physical expression is also metaphorical, as Moves serve as a platform for films committed to, and striving for, social change", explains Sobolewska.

Lastly, Raw, the programme's most innovative competition, is intended to provide space for the challenges posed by non-canonical films, and to blaze new trails. "This section will comprise four disorienting and exciting film programmes that challenge visual perception, ignite new perspectives, and explore the future of filmmaking," reveal the organisers. As a result, viewers will have the opportunity to see the best Polish and international short films coming from professional filmmakers and amateurs. There will be no restrictions on artistic form, with screenings encompassing feature films, documentaries, animations, choreographic impressions, video clips, and experimental projects.

Invariably, in addition to the film programme, a variety of educational and industry events, exhibitions, and concerts will be on offer. The MAF group, dedicated to promoting unique Ukrainian culture, will curate the musical offerings for the festival's opening night. The audio-visual component will be managed by UKRAїNATV, an inclusive collective of activists, musicians, and DJs coming from Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Italy, and beyond. An exciting addition to the programme is a somewhat perplexing concert by Martyna Basta & Peril at the Zamek (Castle) Cultural Centre, featuring a blend of ambient, drone, field recordings, and subtle vocals. Equally promising is the performance by Nino Pedone of Italy, a.k.a. Shapednoise, who fuses experimental noise, extreme industrial, grime, and even hip-hop.

"This year, we will again endeavour to talk about the world that surrounds us in a fascinating and innovative way. Staying true to its motto, Short Waves is changing both its programme and its structure", note the organisers.

Anna Solak

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

15th RETHINK/REBUILD Short Waves Festival

14-19 November, Poznań

20-30 November, online

For more, visit shortwaves.pl.

© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2023