ASFF 2026 Toruń, Kujawy Pomorze | characterization workshops with the Warsaw Film School

How are realistic wounds, bruises and severed body parts formed? You will learn during the characterization workshops with the Warsaw Film School. The classes will be led by Magda Malejko-Gryziak — film and theatre make-up artist and specialist in special effects.

During the workshop, the presenter will present the basics of film characterization and SFX technique, i.e. specialized methods of creating the illusion of wounds, scars and aging. In the practical part of the class, participants will make a finger cast, learn how to paint and finish it to achieve a realistic effect, create the effect of a cut off part of the body, learn how to perform minor injury effects such as scratches, bruises and small wounds, independently try their hand at creating cinematic special effects.

The workshop is designed for adults who want to look behind the scenes of film characterization and see how to create illusion effects reminiscent of reality with the right techniques, materials and a little imagination.

Magda Malejko-Gryziak has worked on acclaimed film and television productions. For her characterization for the film “People” she received a nomination for the Individual Award at the Festival of Polish Feature Films in Gdynia. She is also the winner of the Best Makeup Special Effects Award at the Liberty Massacre Festival in Philadelphia, USA. On a daily basis, she shares her knowledge as a lecturer in Film and Television Characterization at the Warsaw Film School.

Artus Short Film Festival is a short film festival whose idea is to create an open and inspiring meeting space for young filmmakers, the public and all those who want to see the world of cinema up close.

The short film, thanks to its dynamism and artistic freedom, allows creators to take up important topics, experiment with form and seek their own creative language.

An important element of the event is also its educational dimension. The program of this year's edition is aimed at both the younger generation and all cinema lovers who want to look behind the scenes of the creation of the film.

In addition to film screenings, workshops, meetings with creators and educational activities are an integral part of the festival. This year there will be workshops on characterization (for adults) conducted by a professional makeup artist and film education classes for students in grades I-III. The event therefore combines the presentation of young creativity with education, workshop and meeting, creating a place where both creators and viewers can develop their interests, discover new perspectives and experience cinema together.

The festival program includes film screenings, meetings with artists, make-up workshops and educational activities.

This year's partner of the festival is the Warsaw Film School.