Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the BBC's global hit serial Sherlock, has been confirmed as a special guest of Krakow's Off Plus Camera Film Festival, which begins this Friday.

Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo: Off Plus Camera (press materials)

The British star, who brought Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved detective into the 21st century, will be presenting his new short film Little Favour to a Polish audience.

Fellow Briton Mike Newell, director of such diverse movies as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Happy Potter and the Goblet of Fire and mafia classic Donnie Brasco, is on the jury of the main competition this year.

The so-called 'Making Way' contest looks to celebrate emerging international talent, and only directorial debuts or second films can be entered.

Other jurors include thrice Oscar-nominated US actress Joan Allen and 'Queen of the Indies' Parker Posey, who has played in cult movies such as Dazed and Confused, Basquiat and Best in Show. Veteran Polish actor and director Jerzy Stuhr will chair the jury.

Meanwhile, in the parallel competition exploring the latest Polish feature films, British critic Mark Adams will be joined by Sex and the City and The Ghost Writer actress Kim Cattrall (Samantha), as well as Sundance film festival programmer Kim Yutani.

The 7th Off Plus Camera Festival runs from 2 May until 11 May. More guests are due to be confirmed over the coming days. (nh)



