The dramaturgical work on One World generates a rich variety of emotional experiences in a person. Watching dozens or even hundreds of films gives you the opportunity to share profound moments with the protagonists—often intense experiences at the very edge of safety, life, and the law. Sometimes, these are stark encounters with the relentless reality of crisis-stricken places; other times, they reveal the unimaginable resilience of people facing absurd political or social circumstances.

And then, there are moments when you experience emotions that feel as if they belong to parallel worlds—emotions that are strikingly convincing, subversive, playful, humorous, sometimes bizarre, sometimes mysterious, but always undeniably cool. However you define the word cool, one thing is certain: cool films never try too hard. And if they do, they pull it off with absolute authenticity. They tackle popular or, conversely, overlooked social issues that demand reflection. They boldly address taboos and do so in ways that are direct, playful, and refreshingly unconventional.

A prime example of a supremely cool film is Balomania—a thrilling, spontaneous dive into the secret world of Brazilian hot-air balloon makers. After months of painstaking work, they launch their creations illegally into the sky (and sometimes even chase them across the countryside). Balomania is a wild meditation (yes, such a thing is truly possible in this film!) on strange passions, obsessive fascinations, and an unquenchable hunger for life. While watching, I experienced a sense of awe toward reality unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.

Another fascinating film, which once again bridges the documentary and sci-fi genres, is Cyborg Generation. This thought-provoking piece explores the boundaries of humanity, the possibilities of technological body enhancement, and new modes of experience. The idea that identity is fluid and that one can become whoever they want—even a cyborg—is embodied in the film by musician Kai, who will attend the screening on Friday, March 14th, at 18:00. What will unfold during this ultra-cool evening, when cyborg Kai and Balomania director Sissel (whose film screens at 20:30) meet at Bio Oko? Our programming team has been speculating and fantasizing about it for quite some time.

Cool films don’t shy away from personal, often painful experiences—and as a result, they can change the world and the society that inhabits it. A perfect example is My Sextortion Diary, in which the courageous director Pati bravely confronts her traumatic experience as a victim of blackmail involving stolen explicit photos. With its striking desktop-style visual storytelling and the director’s raw honesty, the film seeks out those responsible while empowering victims trapped by a society that enables such violations of human rights. Similarly, the introspective documentary Silent Men insightfully examines why men—including the director himself—often struggle to express their emotions. I was utterly captivated by this film’s warmth, self-deprecating humor, and above all, the director’s courage to challenge his own inhibitions, societal expectations, and even filmmaking conventions. By exposing his own mistakes during filming, he achieves a rare kind of transparency—both with himself and his audience—that feels remarkably refreshing.

The films Compost Me and Dreams also present unexpected visions of where contemporary society might be headed. The former takes on what may seem like a bleak topic—burial. But don’t be misled; this is one of the most uplifting films of the year! It explores the concept of natural burial—an alternative, environmentally friendly approach to funerals that challenges traditional methods. Composting, after all, carries deep philosophical implications. The idea that our remains could transform into nature (imagine a tree growing from your body after death) just might provide an antidote to our ego-driven, materialistic society. Discussing this with funeral activist Blanka Javorová from Ke kořenům and eco-undertaker Adam Vokáč after the screening on March 19th at Světozor promises to be infinitely cool. Meanwhile, Dreams ventures into an often-overlooked dimension of human existence—dreaming. Through its charismatic protagonists, the film explores the many forms dreams can take—not just during sleep but also through daydreaming or self-hypnosis. And it does so through an undeniably cool cinematic approach, blending information with an atmosphere that teeters on the edge of wakefulness and dreaming. Dreamy!

Before I saw the cool films I’m writing about, I didn’t believe it was possible to laugh out loud and have a great time while watching the One World programme. Then came Riverboom, an explosive film diary from the turbulent year of 2002, when director Claude embarked on a wild journey through Afghanistan. The country was recovering from the American invasion, and Claude, along with his friends—journalist Serge and photographer Paolo—set off on a reckless road trip through a land that had already seen more than enough turmoil. As is often the case with significant journeys, they lead not only forward but also inward. With great humor and depth, the director reflects on himself, the local culture, and the West’s responsibility for many of the region’s struggles. At the same time, he captures the essence of friendship—not just between people, but also towards cultures and places. Riverboom is undoubtedly one of the funniest films the festival has ever presented, all while remaining deeply empathetic. Don’t miss its screening on March 19th at Lucerna, where one of the protagonists, Paolo, will also be present.

And since such a long text is no longer cool, I’ll just quickly add a few more recommendations for cool films in the programme: D is for Distance, Soul of the Desert (featuring perhaps the coolest protagonist in the lineup and a reminder that sometimes waiting is cool), and Sex Robot Madness.