SPORTFILM opens film submissions: International sports film festival invites filmmakers from around the world

Sportfilm Liberec is entering its 29th edition and will once again welcome competition films from across the globe. Last year, 451 films from 77 countries were submitted. This year’s edition promises strong Czech and international participation.

“Each year, filmmakers in the sports film industry produce an increasing number of works that go beyond sport and touch on broader social themes – and these are sure to compete for our symbolic film crown. Submissions are open free of charge via www.sportfilm.cz through the FilmFreeway platform from May 1 to August 1. Films can compete in the following categories: Olympic Ideas, Documentaries, Sports Personalities, Feature Films and Series, Society and Education, and Czech Scene. Eligible films must have premiered after January 1, 2021.

Last year’s main award went to The Brawler Fighter by director Adolf Zika, an inspiring portrait of Olympic champion Lukáš Krpálek, showing that true strength lies not only in muscles but above all in mindset. The film captures not only his sporting achievements but also his personal story and philosophy. It also succeeded at the world finals in Milan, receiving a Mention d’Honneur in the documentary category.

The prestigious Věra Čáslavská Courage and Hope Award was presented last year to mountaineer Dina Štěrbová for her charitable work. She is also the main protagonist of the documentary Behind the Curtain of the Mountains by director Hana Pinkavová, which tells the story of the first woman in the world to climb the 8,000-meter peak Cho Oyu in 1984, who later built a hospital in Pakistan.

Hollywood actors Cameron Douglas and Edouard Philipponnat attended the festival to receive an Honorable Mention, presenting their film The Runner and taking part in various program activities. This year’s edition will once again feature international stars.

Sportfilm Liberec goes year-round across the Czech Republic

The Festival Echoes project, which has gained strong popularity and attendance, has been promoting motivation for sport through films for the third year, with free admission thanks to the support of cities and regions. This year-round format brings award-winning and audience-favorite films to sixteen cities and regions across the Czech Republic. Screenings are accompanied by discussions with notable personalities. This year’s main guest is judoka Lukáš Krpálek, presenting his winning film:

“Filming the documentary was a great challenge and a valuable experience for me. It gave me a new perspective on my sports career, which is why I would like to personally introduce the film to audiences across the Czech Republic. I believe it can show especially children that sport shapes you and brings positive experiences into life.”

Jury composed of leading professionals

This year’s jury will include documentary filmmaker Markéta Ekrt Válková (Mára Goes to Heaven), Czech Television dramaturg Martin Novosad (The Blue Case), directors Tomáš Mašín (Brothers) and Radim Špaček (Golden Sting, Child), and PR manager Gabriela Vágner. The jury will also feature Zdeněk Škoda from the Czech Olympic Academy and Jaroslav Černý from the Czech Film and Television Union.

Festival across Prague–Liberec–Jablonec nad Nisou

The main festival program will take place from September 30 to October 4. The festival will open on September 30 at the French Institute cinema in Prague, before moving to Liberec venues including Vratislavice 101010, the RoSa Community Center, the Jedlička Institute, and the Clarion Grandhotel Zlatý Lev. Visitors can look forward not only to screenings but also to the exhibition Olympic Games Milano-Cortina 2026 and the Mental Health conference. The traditional Sportfilm Golf Cup will also be part of the program.

The gala evening with the announcement of winning films will be held for the second time at the F. X. Šalda Theatre in Liberec on Saturday, October 3, with Czech Television coverage. The festival will conclude on Sunday, October 4 at Kino Radnice in Jablonec nad Nisou.

Winning films head to the world finals in Milan

As in previous years, the winning films from Liberec will compete at the world finals in Milan, taking place from October 30 to November 2, 2026. Czech productions regularly achieve success there – recent highlights include Gabriela Soukalová: Truth Always Pays Off, Zátopek, and The Last Race.