31st Days of European Film

Travel Essentials

Rzeczy niezbędne

2024 105 min.

Ada, an American journalist of Polish origin, arrives in Europe and is confronted with her past. The complex narrative is an excellent starting point for a discussion of the still suppressed topic of sexual abuse of young girls in Poland.

Sections: First time

Country: Poland / Germany

Directed by: Kamila Tarabura

Starring: Dagmara Domińczyk, Katarzyna Warnke, Małgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik, Andrzej Konopka, Karol Pocheć, Piotr Żurawski, Anja Antonowicz, Peter Lohmeyer

Language: Polish with English and Czech subtitles

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Lesson Learned

Fekete pont

2024 119 min.

A social drama set in a Hungarian elementary school where little Palkó has moved from Germany. While Palkó has a hard time adjusting to the local regime, young teacher Juci tries to change the school's ways.

Sections: First time

Country: Hungary

Directed by: Bálint Szimler

Starring: Anna Mészöly, Attila Papp, Gábor Ferenczi, Eszter Márton, Erika Marozsán, Ildikó Lökös

Language: Hungarian with English and Czech subtitles

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Side event (only for selected shows)

MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS

15.04. 5 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

After the film Černý puntík screening, a discussion for parents and teachers will take place, focusing on children's education. How does mental health affect children in the school environment and their ability to learn? How can we support children in adapting to the school regime and ensure a balanced approach to learning? The discussion will offer a space for discussion on how the educational process can support children's psychological well-being and how parents and teachers can work together to create a healthy and stimulating school environment.

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Diva Futura

Diva futura

2024 128 min.

Riccardo Schicci (Pietro Castellitto) founds the Diva Futura agency, which turns the idea of free hippie love into the golden age of Italian porn. The media influence of Schicci's activities, also thanks to the rise of private television channels, is so significant in Italian society that he gets porn star Ilona Staller, known as Cicciolina, into parliament. The brisk retro brings a sense of freedom of the eighties and nineties while raising an all-seeing finger at society.

Sections: Film & Music

Country: Italy

Directed by: Giulia Louise Steigerwalt

Starring: Denise Capezza, Lidija Kordić, Barbara Ronchi, Pietro Castellitto, Tesa Litvan, Davide Iachini, Beatrice Puccilli, Marco Iermanò, Paolo Ricci

Language: Italian with English and Czech subtitles

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Grand Theft Hamlet

2024 89 min.

Two actors meet during Covid in the game Grand Theft Auto setting, where they rehearse Hamlet. A remarkable genre-crossing film shot entirely in the setting of a famous video game.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Great Britain

Directed by: Sam Crane, Pinny Grylls

Starring: Sam Crane, Mark Oosterveen, Pinny Grylls

Language: English with Czech subtitles

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Side event (only for selected shows)

THE GTA PHENOMENON

05.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

10.04. 8:30 p.m.

Brno - Kino Art

What makes the GTA series so iconic? Is it just light-hearted fun or a sharp satire on our society? And what are its impacts on the gaming industry and the players themselves? The discussion following the screening of the film Grand Theft Hamlet will focus on the phenomenon of the GTA series, its cultural impact, controversies and how it influences the gaming industry and pop culture. Guests from the ranks of game developers and critics will offer different perspectives on this iconic series and open a discussion on ethics, storytelling and the future of open worlds in video games.

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Julie Keeps Quiet

Julie zwijgt

2024 97 min.

Nothing is heard on the court except the bounces of tennis balls. The heavy air and the absence of one of the head coaches give the junior players a clear sign that something serious has happened. An investigation is set in motion, but the club's rising star, Julie, who was closest to the coach, remains silent.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Belgium / Sweden

Directed by: Leonardo van Dijl

Starring: Tessa Van den Broeck, Koen De Bouw, Ruth Becquart, Tijmen Govaerts, Claire Bodson, Laurent Caron

Language: Dutch and French with English and Czech subtitles

Supported by:

Side event (only for selected shows)

HOW TO PROTECT YOUNG PEOPLE

05.04. 8:15 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

We invite you to a discussion following the screening of the film Julie Keeps Quiet, which opens up robust and current topics related to the world of top sports and the position of young people in society. The story of tennis player Julie, who finds herself in a scandal at a prestigious academy, leads us to reflect on the pressure exerted on young people, why it is sometimes so difficult to speak out, and what role the environment plays – whether online or offline. The discussion will also touch on gender inequalities and the representation of young voices in society.

The screening and discussion are held in cooperation with the Office of the European Parliament in the Czech Republic, and admission is free, just like the film.

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When Fall Is Coming

Quand vient l'automne

2024 102 min.

A mushroom crime story set in a Burgundian village is about two old friends, a daughter, a grandson, and an unworthy son who return from prison. Brilliant performances by Ludivine Sagnier, Josiane Balasko and Hélène Vincent.

Sections: Panorama

Country: France

Directed by: Francois Ozon

Starring: Josiane Balasko, Hélène Vincent, Ludivine Sagnier, Sophie Guillemin, Vincent Colombe, Pierre Lottin, Marie-Laurence Tartas

Language: French with English and Czech subtitles

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Side event (only for selected shows)

Screening for seniors

07.04. 3 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

12.04. 5 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

16.04. 3 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

We invite all seniors to special afternoon screenings with discounted admission! We have selected several exceptional films from this year's festival offer. Marco, the Fabled Truth (Spain) is a drama inspired by the true story of Enrico Marco (Eduard Fernández), who claimed all his life that he survived a concentration camp. However, his carefully constructed image of a hero begins to crumble when an unyielding journalist becomes interested in his past. When Autumn Comes (France) is a drama by the legendary director Francois Ozon, which takes us to a Burgundian village, where complicated family relationships become strained after the return of an unworthy son from prison. Ludivine Sagnier, Josiane Balasko, and Hélène Vincent excel in leading roles. The Swiss comedy Accused: A Dog watches the first dog trial in history. Come and enjoy the great festival atmosphere!

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Program

Kyuka: Before Summer's End

2024 105 min.

Teenage siblings Konstantinos and Elsa spend their holidays on a boat, travelling with their father around the picturesque island of Poros. The summer atmosphere is disrupted by a meeting with their mother, Anna, who abandoned them at a young age. The bittersweet debut premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Greece / Macedonia

Directed by: Kostis Charamountanis

Starring: Elsa Lekakou, Elena Topalidou

Language: Greek with English and Czech subtitles

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Marco, The Invented Truth

Marco, la verdad inventada

2024 101 min.

Satire based on reality: Enric Marco (Eduard Fernández) claimed to have suffered in a concentration camp during the war. However, his image as a perfect fighter for the truth is seriously damaged when an unyielding journalist becomes interested in his fate.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Spain

Directed by: Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño

Starring: Eduard Fernández, Nathalie Poza, Daniela Brown, Chani Martín, Joel Ávila, Jordi Rico, Sonia Almarcha, Fermí Reixach, Iñigo de la Iglesia, Vicente Vergara

Language: Spanish with English and Czech subtitles

Side event (only for selected shows)

Screening for seniors

07.04. 3 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

12.04. 5 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

16.04. 3 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

We invite all seniors to special afternoon screenings with discounted admission! We have selected several exceptional films from this year's festival offer. Marco, the Fabled Truth (Spain) is a drama inspired by the true story of Enrico Marco (Eduard Fernández), who claimed all his life that he survived a concentration camp. However, his carefully constructed image of a hero begins to crumble when an unyielding journalist becomes interested in his past. When Autumn Comes (France) is a drama by the legendary director Francois Ozon, which takes us to a Burgundian village, where complicated family relationships become strained after the return of an unworthy son from prison. Ludivine Sagnier, Josiane Balasko, and Hélène Vincent excel in leading roles. The Swiss comedy Accused: A Dog watches the first dog trial in history. Come and enjoy the great festival atmosphere!

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Program

Maya, Give Me a Title

Maya, donne-moi un titre

2024 61 min.

French adventure animated comedy by Michel Gondry as an unbridled children's wilderness in which the director creates stories for his daughter Maya. Although they live in different countries, they maintain a bond through an imaginative ritual where she suggests a title, and he makes short animated films in which she plays the leading role.

Sections: Tribute to Michel Gondry

Country: France

Directed by: Michel Gondry

Starring: Pierre Niney, Maya Gondry

Language: French with English and Czech subtitles

Supported by:

Side event (only for selected shows)

Tribute to Michel Gondry

02.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

13.04. 3 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

At this year's festival, we pay tribute to the unique visionary Michel Gondry! His playful imagination, poetics and innovative approach to film and music videos have made him one of the most distinctive figures in modern European cinema. In addition to his new film Mayo, Give Me a Name, which once again promises an original visual experience, we will also present a selection of his iconic works: the dreamlike romance The Science of Dreams, the cult sci-fi drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the surrealist fairy tale Foam of Days and a selection of his best music videos. In addition, the audience will be treated to an expert introduction that will introduce Gondry's unique style and reveal his inspirations and place in contemporary cinema.

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No Sleep Till

2024 93 min.

A hurricane is approaching the coast of Florida. Locals prepare to evacuate, hammering down windows. But a few of them stay, as does a tourist who is looking for extreme wind phenomena. The atmospheric debut reflects the changing climate.

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Switzerland / USA

Directed by: Alexandra Simpson

Starring: Taylor Benton, Xavier Brown-Sanders, Jordan Coley

Language: English with Czech subtitles

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Side event (only for selected shows)

SLIDES: HURRICANES

08.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

The popular travel show Diáky will take us into the world of hurricanes this time. The lecture by meteorologist, climatologist and traveller Ondřej Brambus will take place before the Swiss film Nespi dokud screening. The film is about Florida's residents preparing to evacuate and secure their homes from a hurricane. However, some stay, as does a tourist who seeks out extreme weather phenomena.

The fascinating world of hurricanes

Hurricanes are destructive, but also fascinating. What drives these giant storms that can level cities to the ground? How do hurricanes form, and why do they usually avoid Europe? Can we even protect ourselves from them? Come to an engaging lecture full of fascinating images, breathtaking videos and surprising facts about hurricanes. You will learn how these gigantic storms form, how powerful they can be and how they affect human lives. We will also clarify a number of myths that still persist among people.

Ondřej Brambus

Court meteorologist for expeditions to the highest mountains in the world, whose services are used by climbers, trekkers, yachtsmen or organizers of mountain running races. At the same time, he is also an experienced mountain guide who has been enthusiastically showing others the beauties of the world for more than 15 years. Ondra studied physical geography at Charles University in Prague, but he spread his enthusiasm for meteorology and climatology on almost all continents.

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Dog On Trial

Le Procès du chien

2024 85 min.

The dog Cosmos bites three people, causing the first dog trial in history. The defence and the entire process raise questions about human and animal relationships. The directorial debut of actress Laetitia Dosch, who also played the primary human role in the film as an idealistic canine advocate.

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Switzerland / France

Directed by: Laetitia Dosch

Starring: Laetitia Dosch, François Damiens, Anabela Moreira, Anne Dorval, Pierre Deladonchamps, Anouk Grinberg, Bouli Lanners, Jean-Pascal Zadi

Language: French with English and Czech subtitles

Supported by:

Side event (only for selected shows)

Screening for seniors

07.04. 3 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

12.04. 5 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

16.04. 3 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

We invite all seniors to special afternoon screenings with discounted admission! We have selected several exceptional films from this year's festival offer. Marco, the Fabled Truth (Spain) is a drama inspired by the true story of Enrico Marco (Eduard Fernández), who claimed all his life that he survived a concentration camp. However, his carefully constructed image of a hero begins to crumble when an unyielding journalist becomes interested in his past. When Autumn Comes (France) is a drama by the legendary director Francois Ozon, which takes us to a Burgundian village, where complicated family relationships become strained after the return of an unworthy son from prison. Ludivine Sagnier, Josiane Balasko, and Hélène Vincent excel in leading roles. The Swiss comedy Accused: A Dog watches the first dog trial in history. Come and enjoy the great festival atmosphere!

Supported by:

Program

Bring Them Down

2024 105 min.

A harsh thriller set in a pastoral region where old family grievances bubble up. Barry Keoghan, Christopher Abbott and Colm Meaney star in this brutally impressive, low-budget debut about two feuding families.

Sections: First time

Country: Ireland

Directed by: Chris Andrews

Starring: Christopher Abbott, Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, Paul Ready, Aaron Heffernan, Susan Lynch, Conor MacNeill, Youssef Quinn

Language: English with Czech subtitles

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Bird

2024 119 min.

Twelve-year-old Bailey lives with her party-going father Bug (Barry Keoghan) and rebellious brother Hunter (Jason Buda) in a small town in the east of England. When a mysterious stranger named Bird (Franz Rogowski) suddenly enters her life, Bailey longs to spread her wings and leave her shattered home.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Great Britain

Directed by: Andrea Arnold

Starring: Nykiya Adams, Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Jason Buda, Jasmine Jobson, Frankie Box, James Nelson-Joyce, Rhys Yates, Calum Speed, Joanne Matthews

Language: English with Czech subtitles

Supported by:

Side event (only for selected shows)

MASTERCLASS

04.04. 7:30 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

...

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Mental Hygiene by Aleš Stuchlý

05.04. 6:30 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

06.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

07.04. 7 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

08.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

04.04. 9 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

Uncompromising film critic, music and festival dramaturg, presenter of the radio podcast Čelisti and leading psychosomatician Aleš Stuchlý has been leading a successful curatorial block of healing screenings called Mental Hygiene for the fifth year. Top films with insightful introductions and maximum side effects, the possibility of a personal therapeutic session after the closing credits in the form of heated discussions with fresh guests, all in his home theatre, Edison Filmhub.

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The Witness

2024 100 min.

A drama set in a dance school in Iran. Former teacher Tarlan witnesses a murder that the police refuse to investigate for political reasons. Tarlan must decide whether to bow to social pressure or stand up for justice.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Germany / Austria

Directed by: Naer Saeivar

Starring: Maryam Boubani, Ghazal Shojaei, Nader Naderpour, Abbas Imani, Farid Eshaghi, Hana Kamkar

Language: Farsi with English and Czech subtitles

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World Between Us

Svět mezi námi

2024 90 min.

Marie Tomanová travelled from Mikulov to the USA as an au pair, and today, she photographs campaigns for Nike, Instagram and fashion magazines such as Vogue CS. However, her name is known more abroad than in her native country, which offered few opportunities for the young painter. Paradoxically, it was only in New York, far from home, that she was able to grow up and find herself.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Czech Republic / Slovakia

Directed by: Marie Dvořáková

Starring: Marie Tomanová, Thomas Beachdel

Language: Czech and English with English and Czech subtitles

Program

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2004 108 min.

Jim Carrey is the timid Joel, whose life is turned upside down by the eccentric Clementine, played by the fabulous Kate Winslet. When Joel learns that Clementine has successfully had all memories of him erased from her memory, he decides to undergo the same experiment. The highly rated film stands out for its excellent direction, acting, and brilliant script, which was co-written by Michel Gondry, Charlie Kaufman, and Pierre Bismuth.

Sections: Tribute to Michel Gondry

Country: USA

Directed by: Michel Gondry

Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Ryan Whitney, Debbon Ayer, Thomas Jay Ryan, Jane Adams, Paulie Litt

Language: English with Czech subtitles

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Living Large

Život k sežrání

2024 79 min.

One two, one two... microphone test. Twelve-year-old Ben loves not only music but also food and cooking. And it shows in him. But when one day he hits on his classmate Klárka, he decides to take a turn with the extra pounds. The animated film by director Kristina Dufková, based on the bestseller by Mikaël Ollivier, humorously follows the first sorrows, loves and pitfalls of adolescence, accompanied by upbeat songs.

Sections: Panorama

Country: Czech Republic / Slovakia

Directed by: Kristina Dufková

Starring: Hugo Kovács, Tatiana Dyková, David Novotný, Klára Melíšková, Simona Babčáková, Martha Issová, Jiří Bartoška, Eliška Křenková, Sebastian Pöthe, Matěj Havelka

Language: Czech with English subtitles

Side event (only for selected shows)

Filmmaking workshops for children

05.04. 3 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

06.04. 1 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

Come to the festival with your children, and you will be rewarded with beautiful film experiences, but more minor and older children can learn a bit about the film trade, and maybe one day they will grow up to be skilled filmmakers. After the screenings of the films Hungry Bear Tales: To the Pole and Four Souls of the Coyote, together with our partners, we have prepared filmmaking workshops for children. Of course, there is also a favourable entrance fee.

We look forward to you.

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