Short Film News (SFN)- The GRAND OFF World Independent Film Awards has announced the nominated short films that will vie for awards at a glittering ceremony to be held on Saturday 27th November in Warsaw, Poland.

Representing some of the very best independent shorts from across the world, 52 films from 32 countries will compete in 9 categories that include Best Fiction, Best Documentary and Best Animation. The aim of GRAND OFF is to draw attention to some of the very best films made by independent filmmakers whilst honouring their work, talent and dedication.

The winning films will be selected by a jury of industry professionals from across the world. Representing filmmakers, journalists, academics, programmers and festival directors from numerous film institutions, they will be spending the next few weeks feverishly watching films and selecting their favourites in anticipation of the coming ceremony.

GRAND OFF Festival Director Witold Kon said:

“We’re delighted that we had such an amazing response to the awards with more than 800 films submitted. It was a difficult task to choose the nominees as the quality of independent filmmaking is at an all time high, but we’re all very pleased with those that have been selected. The judges will certainly have a difficult time in choosing their favourites. Yet, with so many brilliant films, they’ll have an extremely good time as well.”

The GRAND OFF Award Ceremony will be the culmination of a week of screenings across Warsaw. Screenings will include the nominated films, some specially curated programmes and a Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented to the legendary Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi.

The GRAND OFF World Independent Film Awards runs from 22nd-29th November 2010.

The films will be screened from 25th -29th November 2010 in the LUNA Cinema, Warsaw. The GRAND OFF Awards ceremony will take place on 27th November 2010 in Kamienica Theatre, Warsaw.