13/05/2024 - The 64th iteration of the Czech gathering, the world's largest and oldest festival dedicated to children's and youth cinema, will feature a vast selection of 293 films from 55 countries

The Zlín Film Festival, the world's largest and oldest gathering dedicated to children's and youth cinema, is set to launch its 64th edition on 30 May. This year, the event, which runs until 5 June, will feature a diverse line-up of 293 films from 55 countries, including numerous world premieres. The opening event will be marked by the premiere of the time-lapse documentary The Grand Finale of PSO, which chronicles the evolution of a Czech amateur orchestra, directed by Czech filmmaker Dominik Kalivoda. This year’s festival highlights include movies from a variety of less commonly featured countries, such as the Philippines, Colombia, Ecuador, Cyprus and Thailand, underscoring the festival's dedication to presenting unique international productions.

Artistic director Markéta Pášmová expressed her enthusiasm for the selection, stating, “I am particularly pleased that we can offer our viewers films with an exotic flair – a rarity in typical programming.” Additionally, the festival's non-competitive segment will concentrate on web series aimed at teenagers. It will also include a special section titled “Onward to the Olympics”, in anticipation of the forthcoming sports event, reflecting its thematic relevance.

The festival also pays homage to significant milestones in film history by commemorating the centenary and other anniversaries of prominent filmmakers who have enriched children’s cinema, including Oldřich Lipský, Karel Kachyňa and František Vláčil. “We will not forget the 90th birthday of the first lady of children's cinema, director Věra Plívová-Šimková,” adds festival president Čestmír Vančura.

With an emphasis on fostering international collaboration, the festival's industry segment, Zlín Industry Days, will provide a specialised programme for professionals, aimed at supporting content creation for young audiences. This includes a series of conferences under the theme "Children Without Borders", which will explore the educational aspects of film. The competitions will feature 126 movies across six sections, with a significant presence of Czech documentaries. This includes the world premiere of Dakar Sistaz by Jan Těšitel, which follows two Czech sisters on their quest to become the youngest drivers at the Dakar Rally.

The International Competition of Feature Films in the children’s category will feature notable entries such as the Berlinale Generation title Fox and Hare Save the Forest [+see also:
film review
interview: Mascha Halberstad
film profile] by Mascha Halberstad (Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg) and the Norwegian flick Lars Is LOL by Eirik Sæter Stordahl. The latter film follows Amanda, who is reluctantly tasked with caring for her new classmate, Lars, who has Down syndrome. As she unexpectedly befriends him, her struggle to fit in leads to betrayal, loss of friendships, and a courageous quest for forgiveness and authenticity. Another entry, The Pinchers' High Voltage Heist by Leif Lindblom, tells the story of Ture's family, who, after a botched burglary, attempt to lead a lawful life. However, their new start is disrupted by accusations that Ture's dog is stolen. Meanwhile, the International Competition of Feature Films in the junior category will include screenings of Lioness by Raymond Grimbergen, Winners [+see also:
interview: Soleen Yusef
film profile] by Soleen Yusef and Young Hearts [+see also:
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interview: Anthony Schatteman
film profile] by Anthony Schatteman.

As at previous editions, the festival continues to extend its programming so as to include episodic formats targeting young adults. Notable series this year include Norway’s Beast; the French-German effort Would You Rather…?, which was unveiled at the Sundance Film Festival; and the Danish coming-out series One of the Boys, which premiered at Series Mania. The VR section will feature innovative experiences such as The Imaginary Friend by Steye Hallema. This immersive work places viewers in the vivid imagination of Daniel, an eight-year-old dealing with grief and the thin line between reality and fantasy. As his imaginary friend, the viewer explores his emotions and challenges. However, when his behaviour is misunderstood, he faces the critical task of confronting his feelings before he becomes detached from reality. Other VR highlights include the Czech interactive mixed-reality game Track Craft: Part 1, which allows players to create tracks and race toy cars, as well as the narrative VR adventure Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway.