Autor: Natalia Spychalska
OTHER PROJECTSReel Short is an educational film workshop series dedicated to young aspiring filmmakers aged 18–25 who are just beginning their journey into the world of cinema. The program offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of short narrative filmmaking — with a clear focus on the realities of the Polish film industry.
Structured as a series of weekend masterclasses, Reel Short guides participants through the key stages of short film development and production. The curriculum covers scriptwriting, directing, production planning, genre analysis, and promotional strategies.
Each session blends theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, including script work, scene rehearsals, budgeting, pitching, and developing promotional materials.
The workshops are led by experienced professionals who combine academic backgrounds with active involvement in the Polish film sector. The team includes:
MASTERCLASS LEADERS:
PAWEŁ PODOLSKI | MASTERCLASS: SCREENWRITING & DIRECTING
Paweł Podolski is a director and screenwriter, a graduate of the Gdynia Film School, and a member of the Polish Filmmakers Association. He is also a university lecturer at the University of Gdańsk. He won the prestigious Script Pro screenwriting competition and was awarded at the 18th Mastercard Off Camera Festival. His feature film Life for Beginners (financed by the Polish Film Institute) will premiere in cinemas across Poland in October 2025. His short film Do Monsters Eat Kiwi? earned Best Horror Comedy at the Portland Comedy Film Festival and Best International Director in Austin. His work has been showcased internationally at festivals such as Foyle (UK), Filmets Badalona (Spain), Concorto (Italy), and Pigeon (Iceland), as well as in Poland at events like the Koszalin Debut Festival, WAMA Film Festival, Young Poland Film Festival, and more.
Sławek Podwojski is a producer, director (Dzieci Video, To może się udać, Lena), and screenwriter. He teaches at the University of Gdańsk and runs a film production company. He organizes cultural events such as the Rafineria Music Festival and the “Film Kręcimy” workshops, and is the artistic director of the Baltic Independent Film Festival. He graduated from the Łódź Film School and the Wajda School, and is a member of the Polish Filmmakers Association.
Łukasz Laskowski is a director and screenwriter of short films, with over a decade of experience in the industry as a second director and assistant director. He has collaborated with the Gdynia Film Club, Gdynia Film School, and the Emigration Museum in Gdynia. As a cultural film activist and occasional intermedia artist, he graduated from Wajda School’s Studio Prób, the Screenwriting Atelier, and the University of Gdańsk. He has been a multiple finalist and award-winner in Polish and international film competitions.
Magda Malinowska is an event manager, cinema programmer, lecturer at the University of Gdańsk, and film educator. She is also a researcher of Korean cinema. For many years, she has been associated with Kino Ucho and the Gdynia Film Club (SKSiL). She supports numerous institutions in marketing and has published in magazines like Kino and Bliza Quarterly. Holding a philosophy degree and a PhD in humanities, she graduated from Wajda School (Creative Development). She gained practical experience working on film sets such as True Feelings by Jan Kuźnik and Do Monsters Eat Kiwi? by Paweł Podolski.
Participants of the workshop series gain practical tools and up-to-date insights that help them take their first steps in short film production, especially within the context of limited budgets.
The program encourages creative, resourceful thinking – a vital skill when starting out in filmmaking.
Workshops are held over three weekends in June 2025 (7–8, 14–15, and 21 June) from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Morska 34 – Niezależny Dom Kultury [Independent Cultural Centre] in Gdynia.
The project is organized by Reel North Foundation, co-financed by the City of Gdynia, with support from Morska 34 – Independent Cultural House.
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