Next weekend, Prague will once again transform into a hub for student filmmaking as the 42nd FAMUFEST kicks off from March 4–8. The festival, organized by students of the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU), will present a diverse lineup of short, feature, documentary, and animated films, alongside a robust industry and cultural program.
This year’s edition is themed Ride or Die, reflecting a journey between exhilaration and exhaustion, speed and pause, echoing the creative intensity of the student experience. Coincidentally, the Prime Video series Ride or Die filmed in the Czech capital last year and is eyeing release later in 2026.
FAMUFEST will unfold across key venues, including the iconic cinema Bio Oko and AVU Veletržní, with a thematic exhibition in Holešovická šachta marking FAMU’s 80th anniversary. Organizers have emphasized the theme in all aspects of the festival, from visual identity to an opening sequence featuring actor Boleslav Polívka and DAMU student Kateřina Měchurová. The festival aims to capture both the thrill and the challenges of artistic creation, inviting audiences to experience student filmmaking as a dynamic, immersive journey.
Festival director Marie Čechová notes that the concept of motion permeates the event. “We wanted aspects of a journey—tempo, intensity, and pauses—to be reflected at every level of the program,” she said. The festival’s identity, designed by David Novák and Kristián Toman, includes symbolic elements like car air fresheners and personal talismans, connecting everyday objects with the theme of movement and discovery.
A diverse program for film lovers and industry professionals
FAMUFEST’s program caters to both general audiences and specific groups, including children and seniors. The main screenings and events will take place at Bio Oko, while AVU Veletržní will host additional projections and industry panels. The festival opens with a party at Bike Jesus and closes with a celebration at Ankali, reflecting its commitment to blending cinematic experiences with social interaction.
The opening ceremony will feature two short films bridging generations of filmmakers: Pes a vlk, directed by Terézia Halamová and nominated for two Czech Lion Awards, and the 1989 film Sedum, directed by Ondřej Trojan, starring notable Czech actors including Lukáš Vaculík, Martin Dejdar, Marek Vašut, and Jiří Bartoška.
Beyond shorts, audiences can expect special screenings of feature films such as the cult classic Gentleman Boys (Páni kluci). The festival concludes on Saturday at AVU Veletržní with the FAMUFEST awards ceremony, recognizing the best student work of the year.
Celebrating FAMU’s 80-year legacy
In addition to showcasing new talent, this year’s FAMUFEST highlights FAMU’s eight-decade contribution to Czech and international cinema. The anniversary exhibition in Holešovická šachta, curated by students of the Centre for Audiovisual Studies, will feature works reflecting the school’s history and influence on contemporary filmmaking.
Supported by the Czech State Fund for Audiovisual Arts, the Ministry of Culture, and other sponsors, FAMUFEST provides an essential platform for young filmmakers to present their work and connect with industry professionals. All screenings are English-friendly, ensuring accessibility for international visitors. Early bird passes are available via GoOut, and the full program can be found on the festival website.
