The winning films of 37th Finále Plzeň
This year's 37th edition of the Finále Plzeň festival, which took place from 20 to 25 September, was attended by approximately 15,960 visitors. Six days packed with many film events offered more than 180 screenings. 9 films in the Feature Live Action or Animated Film category, 9 films in the Documentary Film section, 10 projects in the Serial TV Project and Internet Production category, 4 films in the Non-serial TV Project and Internet Production and 12 films in the Student Short Film category competed for the Golden Kingfisher award. The winners were chosen by international and student juries. The upcoming 38th edition of Finále Plzeň will take place from 26 September to 1 October 2025.
DECISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURIES
The authors of the Golden Kingfisher Award are Adéla Přibáňová and Vít Zavadil. The award was made by the Kolektiv Ateliers art glassworks in Nový Bor.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the Best Feature Live Action or Animated Film
DIRECTED BY | Martin Pavol Repka
PRODUCED BY | Tomáš Pertold (Perfilm)
CO-PRODUCED BY | PFX, Studio BEEP
STARRING | Zuzana Fialová, Jozef Abafi, Natália Fašánková, Jana Markovičová, Damián Humaj
Jury’s verdict: After a long and passionate discussion, we have decided to award the film that deeply impressed and touched us. For the delicacy and tenderness in dealing with everyday life of one family, for the heartfelt understanding of subtle family dynamics, for the bravery to immerse your audience into delicate stories and for the art of finding small miracles in them, for the film's winning authenticity and seemingly effortless, masterful directing of actors and non-actors, the award for best film goes to From March To May. We hope to see more from this debuting director!
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the Best Documentary
I AM NOT EVERYTHING I WANT TO BE
DIRECTED BY | Klára Tasovská
PRODUCED BY | Lukáš Kokeš (Somatic Films), Klára Tasovská (Somatic Films)
CO-PRODUCED BY | nutprodukcia, Mischief Films, ARTE, Czech Television
Jury’s verdict: For visually stunning and engaging storytelling that has utmost respect for the subject, for focusing on recognition of the protagonist’s uncompromising work and search of identity in the challenging times as a female and queer artist, we give the award for best film to I Am Not Everything I Want To Be by Klára Tasovská.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the Best Serial TV Project and Internet Production
DIRECTED BY | Matěj Chlupáček
PRODUCED BY | Jan Lekeš (Czech Television), Maik Platzen, Frank Seyberth (ZDF), Matěj Chlupáček (Barletta), Maja Hamplová (Barletta), Robert Schaefer, Bettina Wente (Network Movie Film)
STARRING | Jiří Macháček, Jan Cina, Anna Fialová, Leoš Noha, Darija Pavlovičová, Lenka Termerová
Jury’s verdict: From start to finish, WE’RE ON IT, COMRADES! was highly entertaining, due to its distinct characters, the engaging mood and tone, and the fun storytelling. What was particularly impressive was how the story blended the historical setting and time period with the supernatural elements, using its 1980s Cold War backdrop to inform the story, characters and tone in an innovative way. The themes that were explored were universal, allowing for broad, global appeal, and the characters had fun and humorous characterisation, but also showed vulnerability and heart. There were really engaging directing choices, too - not only did the colours and visuals compliment the 1980s setting, but the stylised sequences, such as the music montage at the beginning and the slow motion fight scene, made the piece really stand out.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the best non-serial TV project and internet production
DIRECTED BY | Mariana Čengel-Solčanská
PRODUCED BY | Silvia Panáková (Dayhey), Zuzana Balkóová (RTVS)
CO-PRODUCED BY | Czech Television
STARRING | Katarína Krajčovičová, Ladislav Bédi, Jitka Čvančarová, Jozef Vajda, Peter Kadlečík, Jana Hubinská, Lesana Krausková, Michal Isteník, Zuzana Norisová, Marián Labuda ml.
Jury’s statement: THREE GOLDEN DUCATS really stood out as a fairytale which honoured and celebrated this style of warm and joyful storytelling familiar to the Czech audience but with a contemporary feel. It balanced nostalgic charm with inventive storytelling, such as the collation of the old with new technology and other contemporary themes, which provided fun contrasts between the characters and some great visual storytelling. Its stunning costume design and meticulous camera work transported us into this magical world, where its rich visuals enhanced the narrative. We also engaged with how the piece leant into the stereotypes of these archetypal characters, with even the antagonists being portrayed as rounded, three-dimensional characters.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the best Student Short Film
DIRECTED BY | Piotr Jasiński
PRODUCED BY | Ester Valtrová (FAMU)
STARRING | Josef Trojan, Jakub Kalián, Vasil Fridrich
Jury’s verdict: The film thoughtfully explores the themes of friendship and identity, drawing the viewer into a reflective journey with its subtle, yet effective approach. The chemistry between the lead actors is effortless and their performances pull us into the complex emotions of their relationship. The director has skilfully crafted a natural, emotionally rich dynamic, allowing tension to emerge organically and making each moment feel genuine. We applaud the director Piotr Jasiński, the lead actors Josef Trojan and Jakub Kalián and the entire team behind BUNK, for telling a story that resonates so deeply with the audience.
DECISION OF THE STUDENT JURIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST BOHEMIA
The author of the UWB student jury award is Markéta Halamová from the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art.
Award for the Best Feature Live Action or Animated Film
WAVES
DIRECTED BY | Jiří Mádl
PRODUCED BY | Dawson Films, Wandal Production (SK)
CO-PRODUCED BY | Czech Radio, Czech Television, Barrandov Studios, innogy a RTVS
STARRING | Vojtěch Vodochodský, Táňa Pauhofová, Stanislav Majer, Vojtěch Kotek, Martin Hofmann, Tomáš Maštalír, Igor Bareš, Marika Šoposká, Petr Lněnička, Matyáš Řezníček
Jury’s verdict: We award this film for its authentic portrayal of characters, stunning visuals, and perfectly balanced narrative. We commend the exceptional performances and the film's remarkable ability to evoke compassion as well as courage to stand up.
Award for the Best Documentary
I AM NOT EVERYTHING I WANT TO BE
DIRECTED BY | Klára Tasovská
PRODUCED BY | Lukáš Kokeš (Somatic Films), Klára Tasovská (Somatic Films)
CO-PRODUCED BY | nutprodukcia, Mischief Films, ARTE, Czech Television
Jury’s verdict: The film resonated with us with the power it sets in motion the individual photographs, with precise music, editing and structure that mirrored the events captured by the photographs and amplified the emotions that Libuše Jarcovjáková's work leaves in viewers.
Award for the Best Serial TV and Internet Production
WE’RE ON IT, COMRADES!, EP. 5
DIRECTED BY | Matěj Chlupáček
PRODUCED BY | Jan Lekeš (Czech Television), Maik Platzen, Frank Seyberth (ZDF), Matěj Chlupáček (Barletta), Maja Hamplová (Barletta), Robert Schaefer, Bettina Wente (Network Movie Film)
STARRING | Jiří Macháček, Jan Cina, Anna Fialová, Leoš Noha, Darija Pavlovičová, Lenka Termerová
Jury’s verdict: The series is captivating with its unique aesthetic of Soviet retro-futurism, combining playful workmanship with a visually impressive world. The contrast between absurd situations and real events adds an entertaining dynamic to the story. This approach creates a unique atmosphere where even surreal moments feel normal.
Award for the Best Non-serial TV and Internet Production
THREE GOLDEN DUCATS
DIRECTED BY | Mariana Čengel-Solčanská
PRODUCED BY | Silvia Panáková (Dayhey), Zuzana Balkóová (RTVS)
CO-PRODUCED BY | Czech Television
STARRING | Katarína Krajčovičová, Ladislav Bédi, Jitka Čvančarová, Jozef Vajda, Peter Kadlečík, Jana Hubinská, Lesana Krausková, Michal Isteník, Zuzana Norisová, Marián Labuda ml.
Jury’s verdict: The film stands out for its visual form, where the camera sensitively captures the beauty of nature in harmony with the story. The contrast between the past, tradition and magic on the one hand, and modernity, progressivism and technology on the other creates a compelling dynamic that underlines the film's key theme. The values the film presents do not stem from the supernatural, but from human strength, courage and moral choices, making the story timeless and accessible.