The 12th edition of the Be2Can Film Festival is set to return to Czech cinemas from Oct. 8–15, bringing a curated selection of European and international films that have defined the past year’s festival circuit. Showcasing highlights from Berlin, Venice, and Cannes, the festival offers a mix of daring biopics, political dramas, thrillers, and restored classics, providing Czech audiences with a rare opportunity to engage with art-house cinema on the big screen.
The festival opens in Prague’s Kino Lucerna with Mother, an unconventional portrait of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska, the film explores the complexity, ambition, and inner conflicts of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures.
Both the director and her sister, actress Labina Mitevska—known to local audiences from the Czech film Loners (Samotáři)—will attend the premiere, offering audiences the chance to engage directly with the filmmakers.
A diverse opening slate from Venice and beyond
Across the week, Be2Can will present twelve films, ranging from satirical social commentary to animated features and tense thrillers. Post-screening discussions and debates with filmmakers are scheduled at venues including Kino Lucerna, Kino Atlas, and Edison Filmhub in Prague, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to interactive and educational programming.
Mother opens Be2Can after its premiere in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival. Starring Noomi Rapace, the film delves into Mother Teresa’s personal struggles, offering a nuanced portrait that challenges traditional hagiography. Audiences will have opportunities to engage in discussions with Teona and Labina Mitevska both at the premiere and the following day at Edison Filmhub.
From Berlin, the festival presents What Marielle Knows, a satirical look at a girl who perceives everything her parents do, which competed for the Golden Bear in Berlin. Also arriving from the Berlinale is Gabriel Mascaro’s The Blue Trail, a Brazilian social sci-fi exploring generational displacement, and the animated queer film Lesbian Space Princess, winner of the Teddy Award for best LGBTQ feature.
Cannes highlights and restored classics
Be2Can also highlights politically and socially engaged cinema from Cannes. The festival will screen Eagles of the Republic, a portrait of an authoritarian society, alongside documentaries such as Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5 by Oscar-nominated director Raoul Peck, and Riefenstahl, which examines the controversial career of Leni Riefenstahl. Kirill Serebrennikov’s The Disappearance of Josef Mengele offers a probing look at the legacy of Nazi-era perpetrators.
The festival’s selection also includes Japan’s claustrophobic thriller Exit 8, based on a cult computer game, and the emotionally resonant The Little Sister, which explores the intersection of sexual and cultural identity and earned Cannes’ Queer Palm and best actress award.
Be2Can extends beyond contemporary cinema by showcasing restored classics, including Kevin Smith’s satirical Dogma (1999) and Mamoru Oshii’s landmark animation Angel’s Egg (1985), presented in a fully remastered 4K edition.
As in previous years, Be2Can collaborates with Prague’s FAMU film school, where a student jury evaluates entries across multiple categories. This year’s jury includes Sarah Slavíčková, Eliška Jirásková, Valér Futej, Matěj Lindner, and Ema Hůlková. Awards will be announced at the festival’s conclusion on Oct. 15 at Edison Filmhub.
One Response
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