The 16th edition of the TAURON American Film Festival (6-11 November, Wrocław, with online screenings continuing until 23 November) has wrapped after six days dedicated to the diversity and vitality of US independent cinema. The event, held at the New Horizons Cinema, once again proved to be a hub for cinephiles and professionals alike, celebrating both new voices and established icons of US filmmaking.

The festival’s TAURON Breakthrough Competition, dedicated to emerging filmmakers making their mark on the international scene, saw Kate Beecroft crowned by audiences as this year’s winner. Her film, East of Wall, received the TAURON Audience Award along with a $10,000 cash prize funded by the TAURON Group. Set against the stark landscape of South Dakota, Beecroft’s hybrid of documentary and fiction follows a mother and daughter navigating life after loss. The film’s delicate portrayal of resilience and solitude resonated strongly with audiences, standing out among the 15 films competing for the prize.

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In the American Docs Competition, which showcases bold and socially engaged non-fiction works, the audience selected Suzannah Herbert’s Natchez as the winner. The movie, which examines the tensions and contradictions beneath the picturesque façades of the titular Mississippi town, earned Herbert a $5,000 prize. Through its layered storytelling, Natchez reveals how history and memory shape contemporary American identity, aligning closely with the festival’s recurring interest in the hidden narratives of the nation.

Alongside the competition trophies, the festival also presented its Indie Star Awards – honorary distinctions celebrating filmmakers who have significantly influenced the independent film landscape. This year’s laureates were Susan Seidelman and Alexandre O Philippe.

A pioneer of 1980s New York independent cinema, Seidelman was honoured with a retrospective of her career, featuring her groundbreaking works Smithereens, Desperately Seeking Susan and various episodes of Sex and the City. She attended the festival for a Q&A and master class, evidently continuing to inspire new generations of filmmakers.

Meanwhile, Philippe, a regular guest at the festival, was celebrated for his documentaries exploring the artistry and imagination of US cinema’s key figures. His films 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene, Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist, Lynch/Oz and Kim Novak’s Vertigo were presented as part of a special sidebar devoted to his body of work.

With over 200 screenings, and numerous talks and industry meetings – most notably the US in Progress platform connecting US indie filmmakers with European partners (see the news) – the 16th TAURON American Film Festival once again reinforced its position as one of Europe’s most significant showcases for American independent cinema.

Online screenings continue until 23 November on the NH VoD platform, allowing audiences across Poland to discover this year’s highlights and award winners.

Here are the laureates of the 16th TAURON American Film Festival:

TAURON Breakthrough Competition – Audience Award
East of Wall – Kate Beecroft (USA)

American Docs Competition – Audience Award
Natchez – Suzannah Herbert (USA)

Indie Star Awards
Susan Seidelman
Alexandre O Philippe