30 Years of Czech Lion Award Winners

Feeling stuck in his career and distant from his father, Jakub decides to make a big change. He becomes involved in an affair, which further complicates his life. He leaves the city for the peaceful countryside and the gardens of…

ComiBaran, a blacksmith who is Protestant, travels to the small village of Lakotice with the intention of killing Sekal, a ruthless Nazi collaborator.

Prague, Czechoslovakia, in the years between the World Wars. Jan Dítě, a bright young waiter, dreams of becoming wealthy. He believes achieving this requires careful observation, discretion, and using every opportunity to his advantage. However, the unpredictable events of history…

A Czech journalist takes a job at a Prague radio station spreading Nazi propaganda to safeguard his Jewish wife. But as Nazi control over Czechoslovakia intensifies, the demands for collaboration strain their relationship, leading to its deterioration.

This touching drama centers on Louka, a Czech cellist who unexpectedly marries a Russian immigrant after a quick romance. He then faces the added responsibility of caring for her young son. Facing initial difficulties due to a language barrier, Louka…

In a small town struggling with the effects of industry, Tonda and Monika, who have been friends since they were children, spend a year exploring the possibility of a life together. A life where they are able to be with…

Confident and playful Mára, along with the quirky Heduš, embark on a road trip into the frozen wilderness. Mára is about to turn fifteen, and they're determined to make the most of it – by car. This film explores the…

Frantisek returns to his family after a life spent avoiding relationships. Seen as naive and simple-minded, he unexpectedly finds himself caught in a series of romantic and familial disputes. His ability to see the truth in people stems from his…

In a small Czech town near Prague, brothers Grass and Cobra struggle to find satisfaction in their late twenties and early thirties. Both burdened by a troubled family, they feel trapped. Grass, unemployed and still searching for love, is haunted…

Following her husband's passing, Hana lives alone in the family villa. Her sons visit with their families, but their visits often lead to arguments. Then, Hana meets Brona, a resilient man accustomed to winter swimming, and a whole new world…

Set in a peaceful Prague neighborhood in the late 1950s, this period musical comedy uses the story of an outsider to explore a changing society and generational differences. The film centers on a young man named Baby, whose introduction of…

Flower Buds follows a family in a small town as they slowly unravel, each driven by their own desires. Agata dreams of a happy life elsewhere, understanding escape means abandoning her family. Honza trusts in the power of love, no…

It is 1764. For a year, Josef has struggled to establish himself in Venice, dreaming of a career as an opera composer. The city’s established composers make it difficult for him to find work as a violinist. However, he gains…

This film is based on the true story of Josef and Ctirad Mašín, two brothers who attempted to escape communist Czechoslovakia in 1953. Their goal was to join the US army in West Berlin.

A black-and-white comedy following two young people in a dull city, Brno, as they seek to lose their innocence.

Julie appears to have it all: a loving husband, a teenage daughter, a successful yet easygoing job translating, and a beautiful new home. However, she harbors a secret that is gradually disrupting her perfect life.

In the late 1960s, amidst the rise of rock music and widespread social change, an older brother takes a job at a respected public radio newsroom. He quickly becomes embroiled in a perilous clash between the journalists and the Secret…

This film presents six short stories, largely exploring themes of an ancient curse, infidelity, unusual occurrences, a surprising miracle, and insincere forgiveness. Each story has its own distinct structure and atmosphere, yet they share underlying motifs, examining similar situations from…

Filmmaker Jan Holman documents the tour of hugely popular singer-songwriter Jaromír Novahica with his band Cechomor. Their collaboration is highly successful, but it takes a significant personal cost on both the musicians and Jan Holman himself.

Dostoevsky's epic novel exploring a family of siblings and their father is a cornerstone of world literature, grappling with fundamental questions of morality and faith: Does God exist? Is there a devil? And in a world without moral boundaries, are…

In the early 1900s, herbalist Jan Mikolasek gained fame and wealth by treating many illnesses with unusual methods. A symbol of Czechoslovakia before World War II, he was highly regarded during both Nazi occupation and the communist era, with each…

Milan and Goran are criminals who smuggle illegal immigrants. After one such operation, they find an immigrant has left a baby behind. Milan and Goran decide to sell the baby to Lubos and Eman, who run an illegal baby adoption…

In 1939, Czech diplomat Jan Masaryk flees to the United States, haunted by his recent history. Germany has invaded Czechoslovakia, leaving him stateless. As the Czechoslovak ambassador in London, he failed to secure support from Britain, and feels responsible for…

Autumn 1968. Australian running legend Ron Clarke travels to Prague, seeking the guidance of his idol, Emil Zátopek, the most celebrated Czech athlete in history, as he faces a major turning point in his career.

In 1943, a childless couple, the Čížeks, secretly shelter David Wiener, the son of Čížek's former employer, in their apartment's pantry. Čížek understands the risk to his family and neighbors but considers helping a fellow human being a simple act.…

A hardened secret agent working in Cold War Czechoslovakia starts to lose his grip as he becomes fixated on the girlfriend of a man suspected of being a subversive. This intense political thriller is a stark and powerful portrayal of…

Following the death of his parents, a young Jewish boy journeys through Eastern Europe in search of safety during World War II.

"The Way Out" follows Zaneta and David, a young Romani couple raising their daughter Janicka. They struggle against a cycle of disadvantage fueled by racism, societal prejudice, limited job opportunities, lack of qualifications, and difficulties navigating official systems. Burdened by…

Devastated by the news they are unable to have children, a couple struggles with grief. To comfort his wife, the husband carves a wooden figure in the shape of a child from a root found in their yard, then finishes…

Czechoslovakia, 1950s. Police Captain Hakl investigates a jewelry heist. The stolen goods lead him to a known burglar, but the case quickly becomes complicated. After being removed from the official investigation, Hakl pursues it independently, venturing into dangerous territory. He…