Welcome to today’s newsletter!

We are thrilled to bring you another selection of cinematic masterpieces to enjoy at the Sydney Czech and Slovak Film Festival.

Whether you are attending with family or friends, these films promise to captivate and inspire.

FRANZ / Franz

2025 - CZ PL DE FR TR - Biography, Drama, History

Director: Agniezska Holland

English Subtitles THU 26 March 6:30PM

Step into FRANZ, an intimate drama that unveils the soul of Franz Kafka, capturing the complexity of his inner world and literary brilliance.

Set in early 20th century Prague, FRANZ explores Kafka's tumultuous relationships, insecurities, and sense of alienation. It portrays a life shadowed by the struggle for identity, where writing becomes a fragile lifeline.

Directed by Agnieszka Holland, who introduces her masterpiece in a special message to our audience, the film unfolds with subtlety and emotional depth. Holland offers a tender and unconventional portrait of Kafka, exploring him as a conflicted human rather than just a cultural icon in an unconventional portrait.

Explore Kafka's psyche and world. Be captivated by FRANZ, where each scene paints a vivid life less ordinary.

AWARDS

Best Film Winner

Best Actor & Best Cinematography Feature Film Winner Best Make-Up Winner

FESTIVALS

Camerimage FF, Polish FF, San Sebastián IFF

TALES FROM THE MAGIC GARDEN / Pohádky po babičce 2025 - CZ SK SI FR - Animation, Family

Directors: Patrik Pašš Jr., Jean-Claude Rozec, David Súkup, Leon Vidmar

English Subtitles SAT 28 March 1:30PM

Embark on an enchanting adventure with TALES FROM THE MAGIC GARDEN! This animated feature is perfect for children who love captivating stories. It centers around a grandmother sharing magical tales with her grandchildren. Each fairy tale intertwines, creating a cozy, imaginative world filled with warmth and wonder.

The stories are all wrapped in beautiful visuals inspired by classic illustrations and animations. Though designed for kids, these tales also resonate with adults, reminding everyone of storytelling's timeless power to connect generations.

Directed by the talented Patrik Pašš Jr., Jean-Claude Rozec, David Súkup and Leon Vidmar, the film inspired by a children's book by Arnošt Goldflam, focuses on building a gentle atmosphere with striking visuals and seamless emotional flow. The stories unfold calmly, allowing viewers to savor every moment and experience the heartfelt connections stories create.

Gather around and let the magic of storytelling whisk you away to the whimsical world of the Magic Garden!

AWARDS

Czech Lion for Best Animated Film Slovene FF: Best Animated Film

European Film 2026:Nomination for Best Film and Best Animated Feature

FESTIVALS

Berlinale, Annecy, Zlin FF, Munich FF, Karlovy Vary IFF

We hope these films spark your interest and provide memorable experiences 

at this year’s festival.

See you at the 13th edition

of the Sydney Czech and Slovak Film Festival!