Forum of European Cinema Cinergia

European Debut Section - The Regulations

European Debut Section is dedicated to the first and second time European directors. We want to give young (although the age is not the main criterion) filmmakers an opportunity to screen their feature films to large international audiences and wide recognition. Our ambition is to showcase the very best, original, fresh and promising filmmakers, which will create European cinema in future. 

The films will compete for international Jury Award "Cristal Boat" founded by President City of Łódź and Audience Award for the Best European Debut. 

We are open to all European feature first or second time films. The film can be in any language, butsubtitles in English are highly recommended to ensure the best judging. Note: Running time cannot be less than 60 minutes.

We accept films on the following formats: 35 mm, 16 mm, Betacam SP (PAL), Digital Betacam (PAL), HDcam: 24,25, 23.98, 29.97 (PAL I NYSC). At first however we need to have DVD screener or VHS for pre-selection. They will not be returned and will be added to the Festival's archieve. All prints in other formats will be returned by November 30th, 2011, the latest.

The submission deadline expires on September 15th, 2011. Please send your DVD or VHS screener on the following address:

Kino "Charlie"
European Debut Section
Ul. Piotrkowska 203/205
90-451 Łódź
Poland
Phone:+48 42 636 00 92
Fax: +48 42 636 03 14
www.charlie.pl

The prints should reach the Festival Office (the same address above) by October 15th, 2011

Important: If your film is chosen to be screened during XVIth Forum of European Cinema we will need the following in order to compile the festival's catalogue:

• A short synopsis in English.
• Stills from the film
• Photo of the director
• Director short biography
• Full list of artistic and technical credits

The festival reserves the right to use all publicity materials both during and after the Festival

If any questions, please send it on email address:

mariola.wiktor@charlie.pl
jolanta.kolano@charlie.pl

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Debuts films are the strength of "Cinergia" This year's Forum of European Cinema "Cinergia" program will be enriched by the new section. After seven years of absence and together with Lodz Film School we reactivated Andrzej Munk Prize. It has been granted by Lodz Film School since 1965. The idea is to support and promote an ambitious and valuable artistic achievements of young Polish filmmakers. This is a good way also to remind personality of Andrzej Munk, a prominent Polish director In 2011 year we celebrate 90th anniversary of his birth and 50th anniversary of his death. Andrzej Munk Prize winner will participate in the international competition for the Best European Debut Award "Kryształowa Łódka" (The Cristal Boat).

In addition, the new German cinema (the most interesting films of the last editions of the Berlinale). We will screen, among others, latest films of Andreas Veiel (Kieslowski's student) "If not us Who" of Baader Meinhof, members less known and scandalous lifestyle, controversial" Three" by Tom Tykwer, queer cinema "Romeos" by Sabine Bernardi and Wim Wenders wonderful soundtracks music films with "Pina."in 3D as the latest.

Female Danish Cinema phenomenon has been drawn our attention. Recently, Danish women directors earn by storm a major film festival arround the world. Susanne Bier, winner of an Oscar for "In a Better World " is the best example. We will screen her retrospective. There are also others in the programme like: Annette K. Olesen, Kathrine Winfeld, Hella Joof.

To remind the great traditions of European cinema we will screen films of Marco Ferreri almost completely unknown in Poland. This Italian controversial director is known only from his gratest hit "La Grande Bouffe".

Istvan Szabo, one of the greatest directors of the Hungarian and European cinema accepted our invitation. His best know films are: "Colonel Redl", "Hanussen," "Mephisto," "Sunshine. Many outstanding Polish actors, like Krystyna Janda, Lucyna Winnicka, Edward Żentara, Grazyna Szapołowska were playing parts in his famous films. Mr. Szabo will receive Zloty Glan Award for his outstanding contribution for European cinema. He will meet with Lodz Film School students. 

Gary Lucas, a respected American guitarist, member of Gods and Monsters, working with world-class stars such as Nick Cave and Lou Reed will be the guest of the closing gala. Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the best and most original guitarists in the world will present solo guitar performance to Spanish silent film "Dracula" from 1931. The premiere of the project under the name "Spanish Dracula" was held at the Havana Film Festival.