“Optimist”, dir. Kryspin Pluta, Poland 2012, 44 min, 10+

Primary Schools: Grades IV–VIII

Audience Award at the LET’S DOC 2023 Festival

Eight-year-old Mateusz starts a sailing course at a school for the youngest. Venturing into the sea on a single-person boat, he manages the sail and rudder himself, battles the untamed Baltic waves, and above all – his own fear. Learning sailing is a tough school of character. Will the boy manage to overcome his weaknesses and pass his first life exam?

Themes in the film: overcoming personal fear, learning independence and cooperation

“Camp”, dir. Tomasz Jeziorski, Poland 2012, 18 min, 10+

Primary Schools: Grades IV–VIII

Youngest are nine, oldest 17. Spent together, the holidays are meant to teach them discipline and strong will. Not all children cope well with this. Each of them must deal differently with increased effort, stress, their own weaknesses.

Themes in the film: eating disorders, controversial educational methods, overweight, obesity, diet, healthy nutrition, exclusion, peer group, fitness and weight-loss camp