31st Days of European Film

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 New Year That Never Came

Anul Nou care n-a fost

2024 138 min.

A mosaic of stories from the key revolutionary days in Romania just before Christmas 1989. Television is pre-recording a New Year's Eve show paid for by the regime, while shootings are already taking place in the streets of Timisoara.

Sections: First time

Country: Romania / Serbia

Directed by: Bogdan Muresanu

Starring: Adrian Vãncicã, Emilia Dobrin-Besoiu, Iulian Postelnicu, Ioana Flora, Răzvan Vasilescu, Manuela Harabor, Gabriel Spahiu, Mihai Călin, Nicodim Ungureanu

Language: Romanian with English and 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

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Toxic

Akiplėša

2024 99 min.

A strong, uncompromising debut about two teenage girls who are trying to escape the bleakness of their hometown and dream of a future in modeling, shows the current theme of young people and their fragile relationship with their bodies.

Sections: First time

Country: Lithuania

Directed by: Saulé Bliuvaité

Starring: Giedrius Savickas, Ieva Rupeikaite, Raimondas Klezys, Jekatěrina Makarova

Language: Lithuanian with English and Czech subtitles

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Michel Gondry: Music Videos

2025 77 min.

Michel Gondry is one of the best-known and most respected music video directors in the world; his clips for Daft Punk, Lenny Kravitz, Bjork, The Chemical Brothers and Kylie Minogue belong to the golden era of the genre from the turn of the millennium.

Sections: Tribute to Michel Gondry

Country: France

Directed by: Michel Gondry

Starring: Daft Punk, Lenny Kravitz, Bjork, The Chemical Brothers, Kylie Minogue

Language: English

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Hard Truths

2024 97 min.

A drama about Pansy (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), who cannot cope with the loss of a loved one in any other way than by being unpleasant to those closest to her: her husband and son. How long can they endure her tirades? A sensitive, humanistic drama in the best Leigh tradition.

Sections: Panorama

Country: United Kingdom / Spain

Directed by: Mike Leigh

Starring: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Bryony Miller, Michele Austin, David Webber, Samantha Spiro, Jo Martin, Ruby Bentall, Gary Beadle, Sophia Brown, Ashna Rabheru

Language: English with Czech subtitles

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Side event program

On April 7, after the Romanian film The New Year That Didn't Come screening, a unique DJ party with Ligia Keșișian will get the Edison Cinema Café dancing! The Romanian DJ, artistic director of the Balkanik music festival, poet and promoter of world music will bring wild and gentle rhythms of the Balkans, Latin America and the Orient. Look forward to a varied music set that will definitely get you dancing. The film starts at 7:00 PM, and the party begins at 10:00 PM. Admission to the party is free.

The New Year That Never Came

Anul Nou care n-a fost

2024 138 min.

A mosaic of stories from the key revolutionary days in Romania just before Christmas 1989. Television is pre-recording a New Year's Eve show paid for by the regime, while shootings are already taking place in the streets of Timisoara.

Sections: First time

Country: Romania / Serbia

Directed by: Bogdan Muresanu

Starring: Adrian Vãncicã, Emilia Dobrin-Besoiu, Iulian Postelnicu, Ioana Flora, Răzvan Vasilescu, Manuela Harabor, Gabriel Spahiu, Mihai Călin, Nicodim Ungureanu

Language: Romanian with English and Czech subtitles

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Side event program

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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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 program

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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Michel Gondry: Music Videos

2025 77 min.

Michel Gondry is one of the best-known and most respected music video directors in the world; his clips for Daft Punk, Lenny Kravitz, Bjork, The Chemical Brothers and Kylie Minogue belong to the golden era of the genre from the turn of the millennium.

Sections: Tribute to Michel Gondry

Country: France

Directed by: Michel Gondry

Starring: Daft Punk, Lenny Kravitz, Bjork, The Chemical Brothers, Kylie Minogue

Language: English

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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

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Side event program

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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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

Flow

Straume

2024 85 min.

The world seems to be at an end, full of remnants of human presence. A cat is a solitary animal, but when its home is destroyed by a great flood, it finds refuge on a ship inhabited by various species with whom the cat must bond despite their differences. The film competes for the LUX Audience Award. You can rate it here: <a href='https://luxaward-rating.europarl.europa.eu/en/ '>luxaward-rating</a>.

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Latvia / France / Belgium

Directed by: Gints Zilbalodis

Starring: -

Language: without words

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Side event program

We invite you to a discussion after the film A Cat's Odyssey, a visually impressive animated story about journey, cooperation and survival in a changing world. This film raises questions about man's relationship with nature, the need for respect for all living beings and the necessity to adapt to changing conditions. What role do we play in nature and animals? How is climate change affecting life on Earth, and how can we help protect nature and animal rights? How will the planned changes to European Union legislation help improve developments? 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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Flow

Straume

2024 85 min.

The world seems to be at an end, full of remnants of human presence. A cat is a solitary animal, but when its home is destroyed by a great flood, it finds refuge on a ship inhabited by various species with whom the cat must bond despite their differences. The film competes for the LUX Audience Award. You can rate it here: <a href='https://luxaward-rating.europarl.europa.eu/en/ '>luxaward-rating</a>.

Sections: Living Planet

Country: Latvia / France / Belgium

Directed by: Gints Zilbalodis

Starring: -

Language: without words

Supported by:

Side event program

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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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. The film competes for the LUX Audience Award. You can rate it here: <a href='https://luxaward-rating.europarl.europa.eu/en/ '>luxaward-rating</a>.

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

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Side event program

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.

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 program

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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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 program

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!

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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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

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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 program