We proudly present the winners of the David's Camera Awards at the 23rd Warsaw Jewish Film Festival 2025!

GRAND PRIX- POLIN named after Halina Paszkowska and Marian Turski (15,000 PLN), funded by the Director of the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews:

SABBATH QUEEN, directed by Sandi Simcha DuBowski (USA, 2024)

"Sabbath Queen is honored for its profoundly insightful approach to showcasing the multi-faceted nature of contemporary Jewish identity. The film skillfully carries a powerful and universal message about the imperative of staying true to one's core values. Furthermore, it delivers a tender and deeply affecting story focused on the creation of a truly inclusive and affirming sacred space where all individuals can find unconditional welcome and belonging."

The Minister of Culture and National Heritage Award for the Best Feature Film (10,000 PLN):

PINK LADY, directed by Nir Bergman (Israel, Italy, 2024)

"For its courage, its emotional depth, its memorable and complex characters, and for the outstanding performances - especially that of its lead actress Nur Fibak - we, the Jury of Narrative Feature Films, have unanimously decided to award the Best Narrative Feature prize to PINK LADY, written by Mindi Ehrlich and directed by Nir Bergman."

THE DAVID'S CAMERA FOUNDATION SPECIAL AWARD, FUNDED BY POLISH TELEVISION TVP (10,000 PLN):

POLAND VS. HISTORY (Polska kontra historia), directed by Joanna Grudzińska (France, Poland, 2025)

"Joanna Grudzińska paints a difficult portrait of the Polish attitude towards their Jewish neighbors. In Jedwabne, Poles wanted to murder the entire Jewish community, even though the Germans suggested sparing one family from "each profession." During World War II, the Nazis expertly managed hatred and prejudice, handing over part of their plan to the local population. Grudzińska gives voice to the luminaries of Polish academia. Jan Tomasz Gross, Jacek Leociak, Barbara Engelking, Anna Bikont become actors in her film, guiding the audience deep into a suffocating and terrifying testimony. Yet, there are surprising moments in this narrative, such as the episode where a maid saves two children against the will of the local community. "Poland vs. History" is a film that demonstrates that the history of our country is not an easy one, but there are people in Poland who are willing to face their own country head-on..."

BEST FILM IN CATEGORY:

The jury, composed of: Nir Ferber, Cezary Lasiczka, Anna Poklosiewicz, Justyna Gawelko, Michalina Majewska, Jakub Katulski, Tomasz Hajdas, Mateusz Sandomierski, Julia Szalaj, awarded:

Best Feature Documentary Film: SABBATH QUEEN, dir. Sandi Simcha DuBowski (USA, 2024)

"Award for Best Documentary to Sabbath Queen for showcasing the multi-faceted nature of Jewish identity while carrying a universal message about staying true to one's values, as well as a tender story about an inclusive space where everyone can feel welcome."

Best Feature Fiction Film: PINK LADY, dir. Nir Bergman (Israel, Italy, 2024)

"It is rare to encounter a film that portrays a closed society with such authenticity and intimacy. A story told from within, with care and respect. This film unveils life in a conservative community, where honesty and self-expression are often seen as dangerous, told from the point of view of a silenced woman who can no longer bear her silence, as she wishes to free herself and the man she loves but can no longer stay with. For its courage, its emotional depth, its memorable and complex characters, and for the outstanding performances - especially that of its lead actress Nur Fibak - Award for the Best Narrative Feature prize goest to PINK LADY, written by Mindi Ehrlich and directed by Nir Bergman."

Best Short Fiction Film: THE DYBBUK (Szmonces o dybuku), dir. Maciej Tyburski (Poland, 2025)

"THE DYBBUK for its brilliant approach to Jewish humor and mysticism, and for its strong female protagonist, who lends the story an emancipatory quality."

Best Short Documentary Film: HOW TO MAKE CHALLAH, dir. Sarah Rosen (USA, 2024)

"HOW TO MAKE CHALLAH for portraying an everyday ritual as a carrier of tradition and memory, and for its authenticity and warmth."

JURY HONORABLE MENTION:

BAD SHABBOS, dir. Daniel Robbins, Zack Weiner (USA, 2024)

MARCO THE INVENTED TRUTH, dir. Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño (Spain, 2024)

"This year’s competition offered a striking variety of themes and genres, from an historical drama to a family black comedy, from notorious figures and renowned artists to painfully human anti-heroes; traveling through Berlin of 1939, Barcelona of the early 2000s, and contemporary New York. It is remarkable that within only six films, such a wide range of worlds, voices, and visions emerged.

Two films particularly caught our attention for their originality. One offers a twisted, witty take on the holiness of Shabbat, unfolding through a funny and delightfully chaotic plot where everything that can go wrong does. The other explores the construction of a life through a web of made-up stories, secrets and lies, leading inevitably to the moment of revelation. Our honorable mentions go to BAD SHABBOS by Daniel Robbins and Zack Weiner, and MARCO, THE INVENTED TRUTH, directed by Jon Garaño and Aitor Arregi."

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!