31st Days of European Film

Lourdes

2009 96 min.

Christine, a lonely wheelchair user, goes on a trip to the pilgrimage city of Lourdes, famous for its miracles. Christine doesn't have much faith in them. But what is the surprise when she can move the next day? Director Jessica Hausner masterfully pulls the two strings of faith here: does it have a real power to heal, or is it all just false comfort?

Awards: European Film Awards 2010 Winner European Film Award European Actress - Sylvie Testud | Venice Film Festival 2009 Winner FIPRESCI Prize Competition - Jessica Hausner 2009 Winner SIGNIS Award - Jessica Hausner 2009 Winner Sergio Trasatti Award -Jessica Hausner 2009 Winner Brian Award - Jessica Hausner 2009 Nominee Golden Lion - Jessica Hausner | Viennale 2009 Winner Vienna Film Award Best Feature - Jessica Hausner | Warsaw International Film Festival 2009 Winner Grand Prix - Jessica Hausner | Guldbagge Awards 2011 Winner Guldbagge Best Foreign Film - Jessica Hausner | RiverRun International Film Festival 2010 Winner Jury Prize Best Cinematography - Martin Gschlacht

Sections: Tribute to Jessica Hausner

Country: Austria / France/ Germany

Directed by: Jessica Hausner

Starring: Sylvie Testud, Léa Seydoux, Elina Löwensohn, Bruno Todeschini, Gilette Barbier, Orsolya Tóth, Gerhard Liebmann, Linde Prelog, Petra Morzé, Jacques Pratoussy

Language: French with English and Czech subtitles

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Program

Blaga's Lesson

Urocite na Blaga

2023 114 min.

A retired former teacher is tricked by phone scammers. When she discovers that she has lost her life savings and especially the money for her late husband's grave, she faces many decisions that may shake her previously firm moral principles.

Awards: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2023 Winner Crystal Globe Best Film - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner Best Actress International Competition - Eli Skorcheva 2023 Winner Prize of the Ecumenial Jury - Stephan Komandarev | Rome Film Fest 2023 Winner Grand Jury Prize - Stephan Komandarev | Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival 2023 Winner Best Film Award - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner Best Screenwriter Award Best Screenplay -Stephan Komandarev, Simeon Ventsislavov 2023 Winner Best Actress - Eli Skorcheva 2023 Winner Best Cinematographer Award - Vesselin Hristov 2023 Winner Audience Award Best Film - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner Special Award for Gerasim Georgiev - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner SBFD Award - Stephan Komandarev | PriFest - Prishtina International Film Festival 2023 Winner Best Balkan Film - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner Best Director - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner Best Actor - Eli Skorcheva | CinEast 2023 Winner Special Jury Prize Competition Programme - Feature Film - Stephan Komandarev 2023 Winner Critics' Prize Competition Programme - Feature Film - Stephan Komandarev

Sections: Panorama

Country: Bulgaria / Germany

Directed by: Stefan Komandarev

Starring: Eli Skorčeva, Ivan Barnev, Stefan Denoljubov, Ivajlo Christov

Language: Bulgarian with English and Czech subtitles

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Side event (only for selected shows)

Mental Hygiene by Aleš Stuchlý

06.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

05.04. 9 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

07.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

09.04. 6:30 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.

Over five days, Aleš and his guests will present four films from the Days of European Film festival program that will cleanse your body and soul - Quentin Dupieux's surrealist novel Daaaaaalí!, the captivating Bulgarian drama Blažiny lekce, the three-hour art spectacle of the Turkish master of long shots and psychological conversations, Nuri Bilge Ceylan Tired hope and the award-winning social debut of the Swedish director Mika Gustafson Paradise in flames in Venice.

Among the guests will be film critic Kamil Fila, director Jan Vejnar, and foreign filmmakers themselves. After Friday's screening, cinema-goers will be treated to a unique DJ set, where the electrified energies of Iva Osmibitová and Vít Kentusák will intersect.

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Lesson: Unfair practices

10.04. 5 p.m.

Ostrava - Minikino

Have you or your loved ones ever encountered the unfair practices of dishonest traders? Do you want to know what practices the so-called scammers are currently trying? Come to the screening of the film Blažiny lekce. After the film, subject matter experts will offer a deeper insight into various aspects of unethical behaviour in the sales environment.

The guests of the discussion will be Mgr. Gabriela Fialová, Director of the Inspectorate of the Czech Trade Inspection - Inspectorate for the Olomouc and Moravian-Silesian Regions, and Bc. Pavel Schweiner from the E-Safety project. The discussion will be moderated by Mrs. Anna Bangoura.

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Screening for seniors

08.04. 3 p.m.

Prague - Světozor

We invite all seniors to special afternoon screenings for reduced admission. From this year's film offer of the festival, we have selected two great films for you. Rome is about an elderly married couple who came to the Eternal City to celebrate their lifelong marriage. The Bulgarian film Blaga's Lesson is about a retired teacher who runs into fraudsters on the phone. After the screening, a discussion with experts is also prepared for you on unfair practices of dishonest traders, the so-called swindlers.

Ticket price for seniors: ROME 90 CZK / BLAGA'S LESSON 70 CZK.

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Program

The Editorial Office

Redaktsiya

2024 126 min.

Young biologist Jura examines marmots. However, he witnesses a crime in the middle of the Kherson steppe. Jura offers information to the local newspaper but soon discovers that no one cares about truth and justice. Especially in a region where fake news rules, elections are manipulated, and everyone is preparing for Russian aggression.

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Ukraine / Germany / Slovakia / Czechia

Directed by: Roman Bondarchuk

Starring: Dmytro Bahnenko, Zhanna Ozirna, Rymma Ziubina, Andrii Kyrylchuk, Oleksandr Shmal

Language: Ukrainian and Russian with English and Czech subtitles

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Program

Family Time

Mummola

2023 114 min.

Three generations of one family gather in a house in the middle of nature to celebrate Christmas. Holidays full of traditions, joy and hard-to-hide family hostility. Finnish debut about relationships as a hilarious black Christmas comedy.

Awards: Berlin International Film Festival 2023 Nominee Encounters Award - Tia Kouvo

2023 Nominee GWFF Best First Feature Award - Tia Kouvo (director), Jussi Rantamäki (producer), Emilia Haukka (producer) | Cinema Jove - Valencia International Film Festival 2023 Nominee Moon of Valencia Best Film - Tia Kouvo 2023 Winner Jury Prize Best Cinematography - Jesse Jalonen | Jussi Awards 2024 Nominee Jussi Best Film (Paras elokuva) - Jussi Rantamäki (producer), Emilia Haukka (producer) 2024 Nominee Jussi Best Direction (Paras ohjaus) - Tia Kouvo 2024 Nominee Jussi Best Leading Role (Paras pääosa) - Leena Uotila 2024 Nominee Jussi Best Supporting Role (Paras sivuosa) - Ria Kataja 2024 Nominee Jussi Best Supporting Role (Paras sivuosa) - Tom Wentzel | Lübeck Nordic Film Days 2023 Winner NDR Film Prize Best Feature Film - Tia Kouvo | Transilvania International Film Festival 2023 Winner Special Jury Award - Tia Kouvo | International Women's Film Festival Seoul 2023 Winner Discovery Award Best Film - Tia Kouvo | Riga International Film Festival (RIGA IFF) 2023 Winner RIGA IFF Award Best Film - Tia Kouvo | Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF) 2023 Winner Jury Award Directors' Week - Tia Kouvo (director) 2023 Nominee Directors' Week Award - Tia Kouvo

Sections: First time

Country: Finland / Sweden

Directed by: Tia Kouvo

Starring: Ria Kataja, Elina Knihtilä, Jarkko Pajunen, Leena Uotila, Tom Wentzel, Sakari Topi

Language: Finnish with English and Czech subtitles

Program

The King of Algiers

Omar la fraise

2023 100 min.

Omar Strawberry is no longer the dreaded gangster he was when he was young. With his close friend Roger, he finds refuge in a luxurious villa in Algiers, where they are accompanied by a suitcase of stolen cocaine. A brilliantly cast romantic comedy with the hint of a charming gangster story.

Awards: Cannes Film Festival 2023 Nominee Golden Camera - Elias Belkeddar | Festival du nouveau cinéma 2023 Nominee Prix du Public Temps Ø - Elias Belkeddar

Sections: First time

Country: France

Directed by: Elias Belkeddar

Starring: Benoît Magimel, Reda Kateb, Meriem Amiar

Language: French with English and Czech subtitles

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Program

Animal

2023 116 min.

The coming season at the Greek holiday resort is heralded by the arrival of entertainers. Under the guidance of the seasoned Kalia, they gather to prepare an entertainment program for tourists. At the same time, Kalia discovers that she may be too old for dancing and steamy nights. But she can't stop in the spotlight.

Awards: Locarno International Film Festival 2023 Nominee Golden Leopard Best Film - Sofia Exarchou 2023 Winner Best Performance - Dimitra Vlagopoulou | Thessaloniki Film Festival 2023 Winner Golden Alexander - Sofia Exarchou 2023 Winner Best Actress - Dimitra Vlagopoulou 2023 Winner Crew United Award Meet the Future - Sofia Exarchou | Vancouver International Film Festival 2023 Winner Vanguard Award - Sofia Exarchou | Festival Cinéma Méditerranéen de Bruxelles 2023 Winner Prix Cineuropa Compétition Officielle - Sofia Exarchou

Sections: Film & Music

Country: Greece / Austria / Romania / Cyprus / Bulgaria

Directed by: Sofia Exarchou

Starring: Dimitra Vlagopoulou, Voodoo Jürgens, Ahilleas Hariskos, Flomaria Papadaki

Language: Greece with English and Czech subtitles

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Program

Sweet Dreams

2023 102 min.

A sugar plantation somewhere in the Dutch East Indies. After the sudden death of the owner, Jan, his wife Agathe advocates for the return of son Cornelius from Europe to take over the family business. But Siti, a native maid who gave birth to Jan's illegitimate son, opposes this. A satire in the style of Ruben Östlund's pictures from colonial times.

Awards: Locarno International Film Festival 2023 Nominee Golden Leopard Best Film - Ena Sendijarevic 2023 Winner Best Performance - Renée Soutendijk | Nederlands Film Festival 2023 Winner Golden Calf Best Leading Role (Beste Hoofdrol) - Renée Soutendijk 2023 Winner Golden Calf Best Film (Beste Lange Speelfilm) - Erik Glijnis 2023 Winner Golden Calf Best Director of a Feature Film (Beste Regie) - Ena Sendijarevic 2023 Winner Golden Calf Best Supporting Role (Beste Bijrol) - Florian Myjer 2023 Winner Golden Calf Best Cinematography (Beste Camera) - Emo Weemhoff | Chicago International Film Festival 2023 Nominee Gold Hugo New Directors Competition - Ena Sendijarevic 2023 Winner Silver Hugo New Directors Competition - Ena Sendijarevic | Palm Springs International Film Festival 2024 Nominee FIPRESCI Prize Best Foreign Language Film - Ena Sendijarevic 2024 Winner Directors to Watch - Ena Sendijarevic

Sections: Panorama

Country: Netherland / Indonesia / Sweden

Directed by: Ena Sendijarević

Starring: Renée Soutendijk, Hans Dagelet, Lisa Zweerman, Peter Faber, Muhammad Khan, Bart Klever, Verdi Solaiman, Chris Nietvelt

Language: Dutch with English and Czech subtitles

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Program

Paradise is Burning

Paradiset brinner

2023 108 min.

Teenage Laura takes care of her two younger sisters while her mother is away for an extended period. The carefree summer melts away when the welfare office comes calling. Laura needs to find someone quickly who will at least pretend to be her mom.

Awards: Venice Film Festival 2023 Nominee Venice Horizons Award Best Film - Mika Gustafson 2023 Winner Venice Horizons Award Best Director - Mika Gustafson 2023 Winner Authors under 40 Award Best Screenwriting - Mika Gustafson | Guldbagge Awards 2024 Winner Guldbagge Best Film - Nima Yousefi 2024 Winner Guldbagge Best Production Design - Catharina Nyqvist Ehrnrooth 2024 Nominee Guldbagge Best Make-up - Kaisa Pätilä | London Film Festival 2023 Winner Sutherland Award First Feature Competition - Mika Gustafson | Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival 2023 Winner Special Jury Award Performance - Bianca Delbravo 2023 Nominee Best Film Award Official Competition - Mika Gustafson

Sections: First time

Country: Sweden / Italy / Denmark / Finland

Directed by: Mika Gustafson

Starring: Marta Oldenburg, Mitja Sirén, Ida Engvoll

Language: Swedish with English and Czech subtitles

Side event (only for selected shows)

Mental Hygiene by Aleš Stuchlý

06.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

05.04. 9 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

07.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

09.04. 6:30 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.

Over five days, Aleš and his guests will present four films from the Days of European Film festival program that will cleanse your body and soul - Quentin Dupieux's surrealist novel Daaaaaalí!, the captivating Bulgarian drama Blažiny lekce, the three-hour art spectacle of the Turkish master of long shots and psychological conversations, Nuri Bilge Ceylan Tired hope and the award-winning social debut of the Swedish director Mika Gustafson Paradise in flames in Venice.

Among the guests will be film critic Kamil Fila, director Jan Vejnar, and foreign filmmakers themselves. After Friday's screening, cinema-goers will be treated to a unique DJ set, where the electrified energies of Iva Osmibitová and Vít Kentusák will intersect.

Supported by:

Program

About Dry Grasses

Kuru Otlar Üstüne

2023 197 min.

The king of slowness, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, made a masterful drama from rural Anatolia. A young village teacher has been waiting to be transferred to Istanbul for four years. He stops hoping when he meets Nuray, a colleague who helps him find his lost faith.

Awards: "Cannes Film Festival2023 Nominee Palme d'Or - Nuri Bilge Ceylan 2023 Winner Best Actress - Merve Dizdar | Chicago International Film Festival 2023 Nominee Gold Hugo Best Feature - Nuri Bilge Ceylan 2023 Winner Silver Hugo Best Supporting Performance - Ece Bagci | Lumiere Awards, France 2024 Winner Lumiere Award Best International Coproduction - Nuri Bilge Ceylan | International Cinematographers' Film Festival Manaki Brothers 2023 Winner Golden Camera 300 - Cevahir SahinKürsat Üresin"

Sections: Panorama

Country: Turkey / France / Germany / Sweden

Directed by: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Starring: Deniz Celiloğlu, Merve Dizdar, Musab Ekici, Ece Bagci, Yüksel Aksu, Münir Can Cindoruk, Onur Berk Arslanoglu

Language: Turkish with Czech and English subtitles

Side event (only for selected shows)

Mental Hygiene by Aleš Stuchlý

06.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

05.04. 9 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

07.04. 6 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

09.04. 6:30 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.

Over five days, Aleš and his guests will present four films from the Days of European Film festival program that will cleanse your body and soul - Quentin Dupieux's surrealist novel Daaaaaalí!, the captivating Bulgarian drama Blažiny lekce, the three-hour art spectacle of the Turkish master of long shots and psychological conversations, Nuri Bilge Ceylan Tired hope and the award-winning social debut of the Swedish director Mika Gustafson Paradise in flames in Venice.

Among the guests will be film critic Kamil Fila, director Jan Vejnar, and foreign filmmakers themselves. After Friday's screening, cinema-goers will be treated to a unique DJ set, where the electrified energies of Iva Osmibitová and Vít Kentusák will intersect.

Supported by:

Program

Fashion Reimagined

2022 100 min.

Fashion designer Amy Powney is also the daughter of environmental activists. That's why she decided to design a collection that aims to be considerate of nature and the environment - which is certainly rare in the industry.

Awards: British Independent Film Awards 2022 Nominee British Independent Film Award Best Debut Director - Feature Documentary - Becky Hutner | Woods Hole Film Festival 2022 Winner Jury Prize Best Documentary Feature - Becky Hutner | Rockport Film Festival, US 2022 Winner Jury Award Best Documentary Feature - Becky Hutner | Hamptons Doc Fest 2022 Winner Festival Prize Environmental Award - Becky Hutner"

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Great Britain

Directed by: Becky Hutner

Starring: Chloe Marks, Amy Powney

Language: English with Czech subtitles

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Side event (only for selected shows)

Jiří Kalfař: For a better future

05.04. 6:15 p.m.

Prague - Edison Filmhub

The prominent and globally successful Czech fashion designer Jiří Kalfař will come to the documentary film Fashion Reimagined screening. After the screening, he will guide us through the ecological and ethical approach in the clothing industry. The talk promises an inspiring look into the future of fashion combined with a responsible attitude towards the environment and animal protection. The guests of the discussion will also be representatives of the Voice of Animals organization, which has been dedicated to strengthening the protection and rights of animals for a long time. The conversation is moderated by the successful Czech model and influencer Jitka Nováčková.

The start of the debate after the film will be around 8 p.m.

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Program