The Jury of the 17th International Divine Comedy Festival in Krakow, consisting of Snježana Abramović Milković (Croatia), Francesc Casadesús i Calvó (Spain), Thobile Maphanga (South Africa), Giacomo Pedini (Italy), Deepan Sivaraman (India), after watching the eleven films from 6 to 13 December 2024, decided to award the following prizes at their meeting on 14 December:

Sound design – Jan Duszyński (Antigone of Moleenbeek)

Jan Duszyński in Antigone of Moleenbeek builds a relationship between the stage and the audience through an original live and recorded soundscape that enhances the story

Light – Szymon Kluz (Zośka the Beautiful)

The lighting design of Zośka the Beautiful shapes the space and creates divergent atmospheres fitting the different temperatures of the story. The award goes to Szymon Kluz.

Choreography – Evelin Facchini (Mothers, a Song for Wartime)

Using everyday movements as choreographic language, the ensemble of Mothers, a Song for Wartime creates rituals that mirror scenes of war and survival that powerfully engage the entire female ensemble. The award for Choreography goes to Evelin Facchini

Vocal composition – Marta Górnicka (Mothers, a Song for Wartime)

A multilayered score that effectively uses songs, body percussion and silences to communicate a very powerful message. We felt that Marta Górnicka must win Best Music Prize.

Scenography – Małgorzata Szczęśniak (Elizabeth Costello)

Using all the elements available, the scenography of Elisabeth Costello creates a cohesive visual language to enter the director’s world. We therefore present Best Scenography Prize to Małgorzata Szczęśniak.

Lead Actress – Karolina Kowalska (Zośka the Beautiful)

Karolina Kowalska is strong in her fragility, and draws the audience into the personal and political drama of the character.

Actress – Maja Komorowska (Elizabeth Costello)

In her profound interpretation of an elderly mother, Maja Komorowska’s performance resonates with the depth of her theatrical intelligence, sensibility, and strength.

Actress – Emose Uhunmwangho (The Golden Records) 

With great vocal ability and precise comedic timing, Emose Uhunmwangho’s sense of humour lifts the performance to another level.

Best director – Marcin Wierzchowski (Zośka the Beautiful)

For its holistic vision, effective storytelling capturing audience attention and bringing relevance to an old narrative, the Prize for the Best Director goes to Marcin Wierzchowski (Zośka the Beautiful).

Grand Prix – Phobia

Artists who fearlessly provoke sensibilities of society have always played a key role in building new ways. As a jury, we collectively agreed that Phobia is the production that pushes the boundaries, and therefore we grant Grand Prix to Phobia. 

---

Photo by Artur Rakowski