For the first time in eight years, a domestic film has once again won the main prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The Crystal Globe was awarded to the Czech-Slovak documentary Raději zešílet v divočině by Miro Remo – a moving portrait of two outsiders living in the Bohemian Forest.
The Crystal Globe at the 59th edition of the festival went to Raději zešílet v divočině (Better to Go Mad in the Wild) – a haunting work by renowned Slovak documentary filmmaker Miro Remo. The film follows the reclusive lives of two eccentric men in the Bohemian Forest and is based on the book of the same name by Aleš Palán.
“Year after year, this festival proves to me that it’s all worth it. My special thanks go to Aleš Palán for his brilliant book, which gave us access to this wild world. This is probably the greatest honour I have ever experienced as a filmmaker,” said Remo, visibly moved. The award was presented to him by none other than acting legend Stellan Skarsgård.
Strong Voices, Strong Stories
The Jury Prize went to the Iranian drama Bezpráví (Injustice), which tells the story of a young singer. Director Soheil Beiraghi used his acceptance speech to deliver a powerful message: “I thank the Iranian women for their courage. They have taught me not to be afraid. They don’t need pity, they need support – so let’s give them a standing ovation.”
This year’s Best First Director Award was shared by two filmmakers: young French director Nathan Ambrosioni impressed with his sensitive family drama Z lásky (For Love), while Lithuanian Vytautas Katkus was honoured for his feature film debut Návštěvník (The Visitor).
Norwegian actress Pia Tjelta was named Best Actress for her role in the romantic drama Neříkej mi mami (Don’t Call Me Mum). Spanish actor Àlex Brendemühl received the Best Actor Award for his performance in the film Až se z řeky stane moře (When the River Becomes the Sea).
Twelve-year-old newcomer Kateřina Falbrová provided a surprise highlight when she received a special mention from the jury for her role in the film Sbormistr (The Choirmaster). In her charming acceptance speech, she said: “Who would have thought that the weird girl from the casting would one day be standing on this stage? I hope that young people my age will see this film and take something away from it.”
Audience Award Goes to Bartoška Documentary
The Audience Award, presented by the daily newspaper Právo, also went to a Czech film: Musíme to zarámovat! (We Must Frame It!), a deeply personal documentary about the life and work of Jiří Bartoška, the festival’s president, who passed away in March.
Outlook: A Milestone Anniversary Approaches
All eyes are now on the future: the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will take place from 3 to 11 July 2026 – a milestone anniversary that promises to include some special highlights.
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
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