Immediately after the ceremony, the Police of the Czech Republic passed on information to the One World team that a bomb had been reported on the premises of the Lucerna Palace. The entire complex was subsequently temporarily evacuated, but the suspicion was not confirmed.  

However, the ceremony itself, which is an annual celebration of human rights, went off without a hitch. The twenty-seventh One World has filled the cinemas of Prague in recent days. For the visitors, the festival was a safe space in which every opinion is of equal value. Only the festive toast and the usual buffet did not take place as usual. 

The program showcased a total of 84 documentaries, 11 narrative films, 9 immersive films, and 6 short films for families. Over 100 special guests from around the world took part in 129 debates in various formats.  

More than 22,000 viewers attended the Prague leg of the festival. A record-breaking 17,000 pupils and students participated in One World in Schools.

International Competition Jury 

The International Competition presents films from around the world that address current global events and pressing societal issues. The International Competition jury, consisting of three prominent film figures from both the Czech Republic and abroad, traditionally awards two prizes: the International Competition Jury Award for Best Film and the International Competition Jury Award for Best Director. 

The International Competition Jury Award for Best Film went to Songs of Slow Burning Earth. Director Olha Zhurba's audiovisual mosaic captures the transformation of Ukraine during the war, now an everyday reality for its people. 

The International Competition Jury Award for Best Director was awarded to director Elizabeth Lo. Her film Mistress Dispeller, which explores an extramarital affair and the subsequent intervention of a mistress tamer, examines love, loyalty, and privacy invasions in the context of modern China. 

Václav Havel Jury  

Every year, the Right to Know category gives space to stories that would otherwise remain untold. The jury, made up of three prominent human rights figures, recognizes films that make a significant contribution to the protection of human rights. 

The Václav Havel Jury Award for Best Film was awarded to The Brink of Dreams. This documentary, directed by duo Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, tells the story of a community of Egyptian girls who challenge societal stereotypes through theatrical performance. 

Czech Competition Jury

The Czech Competition showcases a diverse selection of domestic projects that explore themes beyond the country's borders. The winner is selected by three representatives of international film festivals. 

The Czech Competition Jury Award for Best Film from the past or current year went to The Other One. Directed by Marie-Magdalena Kochová, the film offers a sensitive portrayal of 18-year-old Johana and the world of "glass children"—siblings of children with disabilities, whose own needs are often unintentionally overshadowed within the family.  

Immersive Films Competition Jury 

The Immersive Films Competition showcases virtual reality films that enhance the viewing experience by creating the illusion of direct engagement, offering encounters that would otherwise be unfathomable. A three-member jury of artists, theorists, journalists, and experts in immersive media, gaming arts, and virtual reality selects the project with the most significant societal impact. 

This year’s Immersive Films Competition Jury Award went to RAPTURE II – Portal. Directed by Alisa Berger, the film offers a brutal testimony of the Russian occupation of Ukraine and conveys the sorrow stemming from the loss of one’s home. 

The Regional Jury  

The Regional Jury consists of two representatives nominated by the regional partners of One World. Nominees can be supporters and friends of the festival in the respective city. The jury is then joined by the recipient of the Golden Projectionist title, awarded as part of the Get Your Audience platform. 

This year’s Regional Jury Award went to Democracy Noir. Directed by Connie Field the film tells the stories of three women who resist government corruption under Viktor Orbán, the devastation of nature, and budget cuts in healthcare and education. 

The Student Jury 

The Student Jury awards the Student Jury Award for Best Film in the One World in Schools category, aimed at older primary school students and secondary school students. The winner is decided by three active high school students who have participated in the One World at Schools project. 

The Student Jury Award went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin. The film tells the story of former Russian teacher Pavel Talankin, offering a testimony about daily life during the war and uncovering the mechanisms of Russian propaganda in schools during the so-called “special military operation.” 

The Children’s Jury 

The Children’s Jury Award is given to short films featured in the One World in Schools category. The winner is selected by students involved in One World’s year-long projects in schools. 

This year’s Children’s Jury Award went to With Grace. Directed by Julia Dahr and Mwende, the short film tells the story of a Kenyan family from a farming village, who are increasingly affected by the impacts of climate change. 

The Audience Award for Best Film 

Every year, the audience of One World is given the opportunity to choose their favorite film. After every screening, viewers can cast their votes on tablets on their way out, rating films on a scale of one to five stars. 

This year’s Audience Award went to Writing Hawa. Documentary filmmaker Najiba Noori created an intimate portrait of her beloved mother, while also telling the story of women's emancipation in her native Afghanistan. 

The Abakus Foundation Audience Award for Exceptional Debate 

An integral part of the festival since its inception, post-screening debates in various formats have allowed the audience to engage in meaningful discussions. This year, attendees were once again given the opportunity to vote for the exceptional debate that most enriched their experience and complemented the film. After each debate, attendees could cast their vote on tablets on their way out, rating the debate on a scale of one to five stars. The award was supported by the Abakus Foundation. 

The Abakus Foundation Audience Award for Exceptional Debate was presented to the expert post-screening debate following the film Zurawski v Texas, held on March 14^th, 2025, at the Cinema Hall in the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. The debate featured Americanist Jan Beneš, with Magdalena Dušková moderating.