The Prague Audiovisual Fund has allocated CZK 7 million (about $290,000) to support eight film projects set in the Czech capital. The decision, made unanimously in late January, underscores Prague’s commitment to promoting itself as a film-friendly destination while backing projects that spotlight significant historical narratives and cultural themes.
“Prague is not just an ordinary city; it is a city of stories. I am pleased that we can support filmmakers who bring these Prague stories to life,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Prague’s deputy mayor for culture, tourism, and heritage preservation.
He expressed particular enthusiasm for Golem, an upcoming animated feature by Jiří Bárta, which received the largest funding amount of CZK 2.5 million ($100,000). The film blends animation with live-action to bring to life one of Prague’s most famous legends.
“Prague is the central setting and key theme of our film. We aim to depict it not just as a tourist attraction but as a dreamlike and magical place,” Bárta explained, emphasizing the city’s significance in shaping the film’s visual and thematic identity.
The selection process evaluated 18 projects, including eight documentaries, nine feature films, and one short film. Among those awarded funding is Moře na dvoře (which translates to The Sea in the Yard), a comedy starring Jiří Langmajer as a blind protagonist, set to premiere this March.
Also supported is When Parents Turn Divine (Máma a táta jsou boží), a children’s fantasy film that takes advantage of Prague’s picturesque Kampa district. Producers see potential for international distribution, given the film’s blend of classic Czech fairy tale elements and modern fantasy storytelling.
The smallest allocated amount went to Nepela, a period drama about Slovak figure skater and 1972 Olympic champion Ondrej Nepela that faced stiff competition for funding despite its subject matter and social themes.
Three documentary projects also secured support. Popel (Ash) explores the story of František Suchý, director of Prague’s Strašnice Crematorium, and his son, who secretly documented and preserved the records of over 2,200 individuals executed by the Nazis during World War II. The father-son duo defied both Nazi and later communist repression to ensure the memory of the deceased was not erased.
“The Suchý family’s story could fill multiple films, so I am glad we can help preserve their legacy,” said Lucie Kubesa, a board member of the Prague Audiovisual Foundation. She emphasized the documentary’s role in keeping history alive for future generations.
Other supported documentaries include Být v obraze (Stay Informed), which presents an in-depth portrait of philosopher Miroslav Petříček, and Nevědění (Ignorance), a co-production between French and Czech companies that strengthens Prague’s cultural ties with Paris.
“The selection process was highly competitive, but I believe these eight projects will resonate not just with Czech audiences but internationally as well,” adds Eliška Kaplický Fuchsová, chair of the foundation’s board.
Established in 2016 by the city of Prague, the Prague Audiovisual Fund (formerly the Prague Film Fund) supports films, television productions, and video games that enhance the city’s image and attract international attention.
The fund evaluates applications based on criteria such as the number of filming days in Prague, the reputation of the filmmakers, and the anticipated economic impact on the local industry. By supporting these projects, the foundation aims to bolster Prague’s status as a key player in European film production and a destination for filmmakers worldwide.
