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.  

"In a line-up that shows a broad range of aestethics and perspectives, this film distinguished itself. With an unusual také on the idea of human rights, this film handles the theme from a thought provoking and conceptually tight perspective. Nonintrusive yet intimate cinematography observes this family from an unusual center in which an often overseen character becomes the main protagonist. The filmmaker sticks to a clear, restrained cinematic style which allows the audience to follow the character’s introspective endeavour. Through empathy the director offers a deeply emotional exploration of this family’s lived reality" the Czech Competition Jury explained their decision. 

The award was received by director Marie-Magdalena Kochová from the hands of Helena Bezděk Fraňková, director of the The Czech Audiovisual Fund.

Czech Competition Jury: documentary film dramaturg at the Bergen International Film Festival Håkon Tveit, director of the industry program at the Millennium Docs Against Gravity Festival Anna Szczypińska, head of the programming department at the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam Joost Daamen 

 

Photo: © Lukáš Bíba