Duplass Brothers Join Polish Short Comedy *Exam* as Executive Producers
Mark Duplass, Mel Eslyn and Jay Duplass have signed on as executive producers of Exam, a short comedy from Poland, through their company Duplass Brothers Productions. Deadline reported the news on 5 November 2026.
An executive producer is usually a backer or dealmaker rather than someone on set each day. The role often covers money, partners and the path to audiences.
The film is directed by Jan Naszewski, who also co-wrote the screenplay with comedian Agnieszka Matan. Matan stars alongside Sebastian Stankiewicz, Piotr Polak and Sebastian Łach. It is Naszewski's second comedic short. He is the founding head of Warsaw-based New Europe Film Sales, a company that sells films to buyers around the world.
The story follows two sensitive millennials. Their therapist is sitting a board exam, and they are asked to play a model couple during the session. The film runs 16 minutes and was made in 2025, according to New Europe Film Sales, which lists it as a Polish production.
Exam was produced by Haka Films, New Europe Productions, Kidam and Condor Production. It received support from CNC. Duplass Brothers Productions is credited as executive producer.
On the festival circuit, the film has played at Encounters Film Festival, the Chicago International Film Festival, Flickerfest and John Cooper's inaugural Film Festival of Love. It has also won audience awards in Adelaide and at Secidicorto in Italy.
Mark Duplass said he hopes Exam is the start of a wider working relationship between Duplass Brothers and New Europe. No further projects have been announced.
For short films, a festival run is often the main way to reach viewers. Many shorts are seen at festivals, online platforms or in front of a feature film, rather than in cinemas on their own. A link with a US production company can help a short find buyers and new audiences beyond its home market.
