The Onet Big Screen Doc Award is back this year, allowing the public in several cities to vote for their favorite documentaries. This year marks the third edition of this competition, which will take place in Warsaw, Gdynia, Wrocław, and Poznań.
Highlights of the Competing Documentaries
- The Mystery Package – Directed by Silje Evensmo Jacobsen, this Norwegian film follows a family receiving an anonymous gift for over 20 years. Young relatives Edle and Brage embark on a quest to uncover the sender’s identity.
- Candidates of Death – Directed by Maciej Cuske, this film chronicles the adventures of a father and son who attempt to finish a horror film they started during a holiday. The journey spans 15 years, highlighting their evolving friendship.
- Ghost Elephants – Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog investigates hidden herds of elephants in Angola with Dr. Steve Boyes. The film poses important questions about human and elephant coexistence in their shared environment.
- Frost Without Snow and Ice – This documentary by Asgeir Helgestad sheds light on a mother polar bear’s struggle to raise her cubs amidst climate change challenges in the Arctic.
- Whispers in the Woods – Vincent Munier’s film explores the ancient forests of France, capturing the sounds of nature and emphasizing humanity’s connection to the wild.
- A Life Illuminated – Directed by Tasha Van Zand, this film follows Dr. Edie Widder as she explores bioluminescence deep in the ocean, highlighting the communication of marine organisms in darkness.
- Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5 – A documentary by Raoul Peck examines George Orwell’s final days, addressing contemporary issues through the lens of his famous work, “1984.”
- All About the Money – Directed by Sinéad O’Shea, this film recounts James Cox Chambers Jr.’s journey from corporate wealth to social activism, questioning the role of capital in societal change.
- Silenced – This documentary explores the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, showcasing how legal systems can silence victims, narrated by human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson.
- American Doctor – Directed by Poh Si Teng, this powerful film depicts three doctors who travel to Gaza to provide aid, confronting ethical dilemmas in the context of conflict.
- The History of Concrete – John Wilson invites audiences to explore the world of concrete through an amusing and insightful lens, reflecting on urban life and filmmaking challenges.
- André is an Idiot – This humorous documentary follows André as he faces mortality after ignoring medical advice, turning his experiences into a lively narrative.
Public Screenings and Awards
All the competing films will premiere in Poland during the 23rd MDAG Festival, scheduled from May 8 to May 17 in cinemas across Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Poznań, Katowice, Bydgoszcz, and Łódź. Additionally, from May 19 to June 1, these documentaries will be available for online viewing at mdag.pl.
The audience’s choice will determine the recipient of the Onet Big Screen Doc Award, celebrating compelling storytelling in documentary filmmaking.
