Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival grants the following awards:

‘Ewa Pięta Award’ for Best Documentary – $1,000 prize and the Festival Trophy

Ewa Pięta was a very talented Polish director and screenwriter of the new generation, whose films were presented at more than 100 festivals, winning 20 awards, mostly abroad. Her documentary Like a Butterfly was the first film to receive an award at our Festival. Ewa Pięta was a guest of the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival in 2005. She died a year later at the age of 38, having just finished her last documentary about the Burning Man Festival in Nevada.

‘Annette and Waldemar Raczkowski Award’ for Best Short Narrative – $1,000 prize and the Festival Trophy

Annette and Waldemar Raczkowski have been steadfast friends and supporters of the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival for many years. In 2023, they also decided to sponsor the Festival’s Award for the Best Short Narrative. This award is an expression of appreciation for filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional precision, brevity and clarity in conveying their stories. It is intended for those who do not need two-hour screenings to move us, make us think, or open new horizons before us.

‘Andrzej Dolata Award’ for Best Film Debut (Documentary or Short Film) – $1,000 prize and the Festival Trophy

Andrzej Dolata has been an animator and patron of Polish culture and other community activities in Michigan for several decades. He has worked on the organization of the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival since its inception. In 2012, he established this award to celebrate film directors at the beginning of their careers. Successful debuts can become a foundation of many interesting and innovative new projects, at times defining the overall development of the Polish movies.

Winners are announced at the Opening Gala of the Festival.