Local production is currently underway on the Czech-Slovak feature Bojovník (which translates as Fighter), a mixed martial arts drama directed by Vojtěch Frič and Tomáš Dianiška. The film stars Milan Ondrík as a former boxing champion returning to the fight game in an unfamiliar arena, facing not only opponents in the cage but also his own troubled past.
Shot on location at real training gyms and arenas in cooperation with Oktagon, one of Europe’s leading MMA organizations, Bojovník aims for authenticity by blending professional actors with real-life fighters. The project also marks the film debut of Calin Panfili, one of the Czech Republic’s most successful music artists, known under his stage name Calin.
Scheduled for release in Czech cinemas on Aug. 13, 2026, the film is produced by love.Frame, Bontonfilm Studios, B Production, Oktagon, and Slovakia’s TV JOJ, with distribution handled by Bontonfilm. The first footage was revealed before a sold-out crowd during Oktagon 74 at Prague’s Štvanice island earlier this month.
A story of second chances inside and outside the cage
At the center of Bojovník is Pavel “Hoff” Hoffmeister, played by Ondrík, a onetime European champion and Olympic boxing medalist. Years after leaving the sport, Hoff seeks a personal comeback in mixed martial arts, where the rules, pace, and punishment differ sharply from the boxing ring. The film follows his struggle to rebuild his body and spirit while confronting old wounds and strained relationships.
His fiercest test comes in the form of Béla Kardos, known as the “Hungarian Tank,” portrayed by Slovak actor Ján Jackuliak. Their clash is presented not only as a physical contest but also as a meeting of conflicting worldviews. Surrounding Hoff is a network of allies and rivals, including Martin Finger as his longtime sparring partner turned coach, and Pavel Rímský as the gym’s patriarch.
The role of Filip, the coach’s son, is played by Calin, who steps into film for the first time after dominating the Czech music charts. “It’s my first role, and the theme of the film is close to me. Acting has always fascinated me, so I wanted to try it,” Calin said in a statement. A lifelong practitioner of martial arts, he brings personal experience to his part.
Authenticity through real fighters and real environments
In addition to its dramatic storyline, Bojovník distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on realism. Frič and Dianiška have cast professional fighters in supporting roles to capture the physical detail of the sport. Appearances include former world kickboxing champion Daniel “DeeDee” Škvor, Czech MMA veterans Miloš “Meloun” Petrášek and Tomáš “Tobous” Tobola, and world boxing champion Fabiana Bytyqi. Rising Czech boxer Kelvin Soquessa also features, while figures from the fight world such as referee Pavel “Pikante” Touš and timekeeper Vasilis Kostandinidis appear as themselves.
“The years of training can’t be faked,” Frič explained. “The body language of professionals is irreplaceable, and their movement brings a reality to the screen that actors alone cannot reproduce.”
The production team includes a number of Czech film industry veterans. Cinematography is by Tomáš Juríček, with editing by Andy Fehu and music composed by Michal Šupák. The screenplay was written by Tomáš Dušička alongside Frič and Dianiška.
Filming will continue throughout 2025, with locations ranging from training gyms to sold-out arenas. By collaborating directly with Oktagon, the filmmakers secured access to live events, adding to the film’s atmosphere. According to the creative team, Bojovník is less about the outcome of a single fight and more about the price of courage, the search for redemption, and the human cost of stepping back into the cage.
