The winning films of 38th Finále Plzeň
The 38th edition of Finále Plzeň Film Festival, which began on 26 September, is coming to a close today in the West Bohemian metropolis. As usual, the main venue was Měšťanská beseda, but screenings also took place at the Study and Research Library, Koranda Parish, and the House of Music. The Festival and its 146 screenings were attended by a total of 16,408 viewers. There were 34 premieres and previews. Nine feature films, nine documentaries, 13 television and internet projects, and 12 student short films competed for the Golden Kingfishers and non-statutory student awards. The winners were chosen by international and student juries. The Festival's closing ceremony took place on 1 October at Měšťanská beseda, with Petr Vančura and Jan Doležal hosting the award ceremony. The upcoming 39th edition of Finále Plzeň will take place from 25 to 30 September 2026.
DECISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURIES
The designers 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
Jury: Krista Kosonen, Marius Olteanu, Dries Phlypo, Elena Rubashevska, Beata Walentowska
Tales from the Magic Garden
DIRECTED BY | David Súkup, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar, Jean-Claude Rozec
PRODUCED BY | Martin Vandas (Maurfilm), Alena Vandasová (Maurfilm), Juraj Krasnohorský (Artichoke), Henriet Cvangová (Artichoke), Kolja Saksida (ZVVIKS), Jean-François Le Corre (Vivement Lundi !), Mathieu Courtois (Vivement Lundi !)
CO-PRODUCED BY | Česká televize, Slovenská televízia a rozhlas RTV Slovenija, Pictanovo s podporou Région Hauts-de-France, Personne n’est parfait!
CAST | Arnošt Goldflam, Ivan Trojan, Zuzana Kronerová, Žofie Hánová, Alex Mojžíš, Mikuláš Čížek, Pavla Beretová, Dana Černá
Jury’s verdict: The film we celebrate tonight shows us the true power of storytelling. It is an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship, rich in detail and imaginative artistry. It approaches a difficult subject with a gentle humour and sensitivity that makes it both human and hopeful. Importantly, this film never underestimates its audience, addressing children and adults alike with equal depth and meaning. It reminds us why it still matters to tell stories, as they connect us across generations and help to navigate the often confusing world. It is a privilege to present this award to Tales from the Magic Garden.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the Best Documentary
Jury: Rea Apostolides, Judith Auffray, Vlad Petri
The Impossibility
DIRECTED BY | Tomáš Hlaváček
PRODUCED BY | Martin Kohout (GPO Platform)
CO-PRODUCED BY | Česká televize
Jury’s verdict: For its approach to a very sensitive story, highlighting the discrimination and constant abuse the characters are going through, and for its commitment to justice through the presence of the camera, giving voice and hope to the people portrayed, we decided to award the main documentary prize to The Impossibility, directed by Tomáš Hlaváček.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the Best TV Project and Internet Production
Jury: Eszter Angyalosy, Eric Linus Kaplan, Jana Semjonova
The substitutes
DIRECTED BY | Alice Nellis, Jiří Havelka
PRODUCED BY | Lucia Kršáková (FTV Prima), Klára Bukovská (POZITIV FILMS), Ondřej Zach (POZITIV FILMS)
CAST | Jana Plodková, Kryštof Hádek, Iva Janžurová, Mariam Khundadze, Zuzana Stivínová, Adam Ernest, Vica Kerekeš, Sára Arnsteinová, Julia Issa, Zuzana Čapková, Jitka Smutná, Jiří Bábek, Melania Melekishvili, Anastasia Alavidze, Lizi Liklikadze, Anastasia Lomtadze
Jury’s verdict: We gave the Golden Kingfisher to a show which uses the creative vocabulary masterfully and stands up to any international comparison in the freshness and humour of its characters and the skillfulness of its storytelling.
The Golden Kingfisher Award for the best Student Short Film
Jury: Pedro Andrade, Fabrizio Maltese, Rūta Švedkauskaitė
Better man
DIRECTED BY | Eliška Jirásková
PRODUCED BY | FAMU
Jury’s verdict: For the precision of the filmmaking and pushing of boundaries of documentary form and sharp exploration of the topic of contemporary masculinity we wish to award The Golden Kingfisher Award for the best Student Short Film to BETTER MAN by Eliška Jirásková.
DECISION OF THE STUDENT JURIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST BOHEMIA
The designer of the UWB student jury award is Lucie Procházková from Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art.
Award for the Best Feature Live Action or Animated Film
Jury: Nikol Donátová, Karolína Melenovská, Adriana Škutová, Jan Tichánek, Adéla Viršíková
Promise, I'll Be Fine
DIRECTED BY | Katarína Gramatová
PRODUCED BY | Igor Engler (Dryeye Film), Julie Marková Žáčková (NOCHI FILM)
CO-PRODUCED BY | STVR
CAST | Michal Záchenský, Jana Oľhová, Eva Mores, Attila Mokos, Adam Šuniar, Dominik Vetrák, Julius Oľha
Jury’s verdict: We selected the winning film based on its authenticity. Above all, we were impressed by the performances of the actors who portrayed the young protagonists, the rawness of interpersonal relationships complemented by humour, which the film depicts with such conviction. Another important aspect for us was the visual side of the film, which captured the atmosphere of the place and conveyed all the emotions with its own authenticity. We believe that the film's plot manages to convey a lot and introduce the viewer to this issue with sensitivity. For these reasons, this film is the right winner for us.
Award for the Best Documentary
Jury: Egon Černý, Dominika Galdunová, Veronika Wilhelmová
The Impossibility
DIRECTED BY | Tomáš Hlaváček
PRODUCED BY | Martin Kohout (GPO Platform)
CO-PRODUCED BY | Česká televize
Jury’s verdict: The film caught our attention by addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time, one that affects all social classes. The authentic, raw footage has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to frustration. The film stayed with us long after the final credits rolled. We highly recommend this film, which does not remain only on the screen but continues in the thoughts and questions we take away with us, and we believe it will lead viewers to reflect on how important it is to choose their heroes wisely.
Award for the Best TV and Internet Production
Jury: Adéla Čiháková, Miroslav Mužík, Terezie Pudilová
Daughter of the Nation - episode 3
DIRECTED BY | Matěj Chlupáček, Cristina Groşan
PRODUCED BY I Lada Dobrkovská, Barbora Mudrová, Barletta: Maja Hamplová, Matěj Chlupáček (CANAL+)
CO-PRODUCED BY| Česká televize
CAST | Antonie Formanová, Jiří Langmajer, Jan Vlasák, Leoš Noha, Robert Mikluš, Vladimír Javorský, Igor Chmela
Jury’s verdict: We have selected this film primarily for its unconventional approach to an imaginative theme from the past that has relevance for the present day in the Czech context. We appreciate the sophistication and sensitivity with which the authors approach the story of Zdenka Borovská, taking into account her own attitudes.