Be Immersed In Rich Heritage & Creativity At The Sydney Czech & Slovak Film Festival

The vibrant cultures of the Czech Republic and Slovakia come alive on the big screen at the 13^th presentation of the Sydney Czech & Slovak Film Festival.

The Czech & Slovak film industry is on the increase from year to year, with more films being produced and worldwide awareness and interest in these country’s cinema also intensifying.

“That’s clear from the fact that the vast majority of the films we are screening this year are already in the hands of international distributors – mostly French, Italian or German but also American like California Pictures. Many are picked up and premiered by prestigious international film festivals, among them Venice, Cannes, Berlinale or Annecy where Czech & Slovak animations reign supreme,” explained Festival Director Ika de Detrich.

Admissions to this festival in Sydney have also risen in recent years, flourishing after the devastating effects of Covid on cinema globally.

“It’s worth mentioning that last year we had an excellent run, mostly thanks to the Oscar nominated opening film Waves where we sold out 2 cinemas literally in a matter of days. We are aiming to match last year’s success, and everything points to the fact that we might succeed, thanks to a very strong selection of feature films as well as shorts for this year’s edition, many of them award winning.”

This year a compelling psychological drama called Father which premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival opens the festival.

“Father by Tereza Nvotova, stars Milan Ondrik and deals with the “forgotten baby syndrome”, which happens all around the world and perhaps more often than we realise. In tackling this parents’ nightmare of memory failure, she concentrates on how the parents build a path toward forgiveness.”

The opening night festivities commence with a popular drink Beton on arrival and promises to be a memorable night for all to enjoy.

“After the screening of the short and feature film, the reception proper begins, where people have the opportunity to discuss the films’ impressions while listening to live music by the very talented Anikiko, munching on tasty canapés and enjoying Aussie wine or famous Czech beer,” enthused Detrich.

The closing night film is a dramedy called Dream Team, a true story which took place at the Sydney Paralympics. The story delves on the absurd plan of a basketball coach who endeavours to fulfill his disabled son’s lifelong dream of competing in the Paralympics. He recruits a team of robust and fit players to fake disabilities – this deception leads to hilarious sequences.

It’s important to include films for children at these festivals as it nurtures young audiences, promotes diversity and inspires future filmmakers, fostering a lifelong love of cinema.

“Children programs are very popular in both countries with kids and adults alike. Screening on Saturday afternoon is a fairy tale in the original language with English subtitles, so kids can get better acquainted with their parents’ and grandparents’ language. This year, it’s a Czech Slovak French co-production animated story: Tales From Magic Garden, which premiered at Berlinale and was also nominated Best European Animated Film.”

There are 10 feature films in total and a short film screen prior to all the main features.

“The short films are often pared thematically with the main film. They are either animations, fictions or documentaries, often quirky but always creative and thought provoking. A majority of them are highly praised with many awards.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the best of Czech and Slovak cinema – come along and join in the celebration of storytelling, culture and community.

Top picks for the 2026 Sydney Czech & Slovak Film Festival

CARAVAN – stars the much-loved Aňa Geislerová and tells a moving story about a mother and her disabled son travelling through Italy. The film celebrated its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section.

CERNAK – Milan Ondrík in the lead role gives an extraordinary performance as the mafia boss Mikuláš Černák in the film which is also inspired by true events. The sequel to last year’s film MIKI became a box office hit and one of the most successful Slovak films of all time.

FRANZ – Oscar nominated Polish Director Agnieszka Holland herself will introduce the film and talk about her own take on the famous Czech-Jewish author Franz Kafka, what inspired her, and why she opted for an unusual portrait of his intriguing life instead of classic biopic.

The 2026 Sydney Czech & Slovak Film Festival is on from 25-29 March at the Dendy Newtown.