Prague will host a new festival this month that blends cinema, history, and current security debates. The inaugural Army Film Festival (AFF), held under the patronage of President Petr Pavel and Minister of Defence Jana Černochová, will take place from Sept. 22–24, 2025, with an opening ceremony on Sept. 20 at the Kinský Garden.
The three-day program aims to highlight the role of Czech soldiers across different historical periods, from life under totalitarian regimes to participation in international missions today. Alongside film screenings, the festival will feature discussions with historians, defense experts, and active military personnel, placing the experiences of soldiers into broader social and political contexts.
Organizers present the event as a meeting point for film lovers, history enthusiasts, and security professionals, combining cinematic storytelling with debates on military culture, democracy, and challenges in today’s world. Screenings will take place at Kino Atlas in Karlín and at the Military History Institute in Žižkov, with additional programs designed for schools.
Films, history, and live debates
The Army Film Festival will showcase a diverse slate of documentaries, docudramas, and archival films reflecting on both Czech and international military experiences. Its focus ranges from large-scale conflicts to intimate personal testimonies.
The opening night on Sept. 20 will feature an outdoor screening of Karbala (2015), a Polish-Bulgarian war drama depicting one of the largest Polish military operations since World War II. The open-air event in Kinský Garden will also include military demonstrations and family activities.
The main program at Kino Atlas begins Sept. 22 with a series of Czech documentaries, including Czech Mission: Afghanistan – Lógar and Kabul (2008) and the newer Czech Mission series from 2023–24 by director Petr Orozovič.
International highlights include Kilo Two Bravo (2014, pictured at top), a British account of soldiers trapped in an Afghan minefield, followed by a discussion with director Paul Katis. Screenings also include the Ukrainian feature Full Force (2024), portraying helicopter pilots on the front lines of Russia’s invasion.
The program continues with documentaries such as This is Congo (2017) and Gentle Warriors (2019), alongside the new French-Belgian production 13 days, 13 nights (2025), dramatizing the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Kabul. The Irish drama The Siege of Jadotville (2016) and Canadian feature Hyena Road (2015) add further perspectives on international conflicts.
Complementing the contemporary films, the Military History Institute will screen archival works from the 1950s and 1960s by directors such as František Vláčil, Vladimír Sís, and Václav Hapl, providing historical insight into how Czech filmmakers once portrayed military life and training.
Context and significance
The Army Film Festival arrives at a time when security issues occupy a central place in European public discourse, particularly in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Several programmed films, including Summertime in Ukraine (2025) and Character: Athlete (2024), directly address the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians, volunteers, and cultural life.
Czech President Pavel, a former NATO general, and Minister of Defence Černochová have both emphasized the need for public dialogue about military service, defense readiness, and democratic values. In this context, the Army Film Festival functions not only as a showcase for cinema but also as a forum for debate about the evolving role of soldiers in society.
Organizers describe the event as an “engaging and inspiring” meeting place where audiences can confront the realities of war and security challenges while also acknowledging the sacrifices of those in uniform.
The Army Film Festival will run from Sept. 22 to 24 at Kino Atlas and the Military History Institute, following its outdoor opening ceremony in Kinský Garden on Sept. 20. More information can be found at the official festival website.
