A new nationwide competition is inviting young Czech creatives to explore the final frontier through the lens of a camera. Titled Mise: Film (Mission: Film), the initiative aims to connect science and the arts by challenging participants to create short films inspired by outer space, with winning entries set to screen at Prague cinema Kino Lucerna during Czech Space Week this October.
The contest is open to students from primary and secondary schools, universities, and young adults up to 26 years old. It’s part of the larger Česká cesta do vesmíru (Czech Journey to Space) program, which has gained visibility in recent years through events like the parabolic Zero-G flight and the upcoming mission of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to the International Space Station.
“Mission: Film is an invitation for young people to look at space through their own perspective—whether serious, funny, or entirely unconventional,” said Andrej Štůla, director of the Future Gate Sci-fi Film Festival, which co-organizes the competition alongside ESA BIC Czech Republic and CzechInvest.
Participants can submit original films ranging from one to ten minutes in length. There are no genre restrictions—entries can be live-action, animated, documentary, or experimental—and submissions are welcome in Czech, English, or without dialogue. Teams of up to five people are allowed, and school-based teams must include a teacher as a registered mentor. The deadline to submit entries is July 15, 2025.
What sets Mission: Film apart from other youth competitions is its direct connection to the Czech space tech ecosystem. Organizers are offering contestants access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment from real-life aerospace companies and institutions.
Filmmakers may shoot at locations such as the Brno Observatory and Planetarium, the Science & Technology Centrum (Velký svět techniky) in Ostrava, or even use flight simulation hardware from companies like Vrgineers.
“Through our partners, students can shoot in inspiring environments usually reserved for professionals in space research,” said Petr Mild of ESA BIC Czech Republic, a startup incubator supported by CzechInvest.
A jury composed of filmmakers, scientists, and space industry representatives will evaluate the entries based on creativity, storytelling, technical quality, and overall impact. Winning teams can expect both material and experiential prizes, including potential visits to the European Space Agency and meetings with aerospace professionals.
Filip Schauer of Future Gate, another member of the organizing team, emphasized the broader impact of the contest: “It’s not just about winning. These experiences can shape future careers in science, technology, or filmmaking—and maybe even help launch the next generation of Czech space pioneers.”
The Mission: Film competition is supported by the city of Prague and aims to spark a passion for space among the country’s youngest storytellers. All selected films will also be made freely available online after the competition ends.
Get additional details about the Mission: Film competition, including registration information, at the Česká cesta do vesmíru website, and find out more about October’s Czech Space Week here.
