Film Fest Naruby will bring trash cinema back to a historic Prague locale from June 11 to 13, offering a deliberately unconventional program centered on films that organizers promote as some of the worst ever made. Hosted across multiple venues in the city’s historic center, including the former Church of St. Anne—now known as Prague Crossroads—the festival embraces so-bad-it’s-good cinema as a shared cultural experience.
After previously unveiling features within the appropriate halls of Prague’s sewage treatment plant, this year’s event continues to build on a niche but growing appetite for cult films that blur the line between failure and entertainment. Alongside screenings, organizers are planning discussions with filmmakers, workshops, and themed programming that reflects both the absurdity and enduring appeal of low-budget and unconventional filmmaking.
Cult cinema, live guests, and unlikely premieres
The 2026 lineup at Film Fest Naruby is anchored by the European premiere of The VelociPastor 2, a sequel to the cult hit about a priest who transforms into a dinosaur. The screening is expected to be attended by the film’s director, marking one of the festival’s key events.
Another highlight is the participation of Finnish filmmaker Timo Vuorensola, best known for Iron Sky, who will present his latest film Altered, starring Tom Felton, and take part in discussions with audiences. His presence underscores the festival’s interest not only in ironic appreciation, but also in the creative processes behind films that achieve cult status despite—or because of—their limitations.
The program spans several decades and styles of genre filmmaking. Titles include Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter, Robogeisha, Big Tits Zombie, and Zombie Ass: Toilet of the Dead, each reflecting different traditions of exploitation cinema and genre parody.
Documentary films are also present, notably Once Upon a Time in Uganda, which examines the grassroots filmmaking scene known as Wakaliwood. Screenings also include the local premiere of Mr. Melvin, a recut version of The Toxic Avenger Part II and The Toxic Avenger Part III that represents director Lloyd Kaufman’s original intended vision for a sequel to his breakout Troma hit.
In addition to screenings, the festival will host talks on topics such as VHS-era rapid dubbing in Czechoslovakia and independent production, offering a broader context for understanding how these films were made and distributed. The inclusion of both filmmakers and industry figures positions Film Fest Naruby as more than a novelty event, instead framing it as a platform for discussion around alternative film cultures.
Historic venue meets irreverent programming
A defining feature of Film Fest Naruby is its primary venue: the deconsecrated Church of St. Anne, part of the Prague Crossroads cultural space established under the auspices of the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation. Originally founded by St. Wenceslas in the 10th century, the building now serves as a multidisciplinary venue for lectures, performances, and public gatherings.
The juxtaposition of irreverent, often deliberately provocative films with such a historically and architecturally significant setting is central to the festival’s identity. Screenings are also held in nearby spaces, including the former Parnas restaurant and Klub FAMU, creating a multi-site event within walking distance in Prague’s Old Town.
The festival’s format emphasizes atmosphere as much as programming. Screenings are accompanied by themed refreshments, including curated drink selections, while a bar remains accessible within the screening areas. Organizers frame this as part of a communal viewing experience, encouraging audiences to engage with the films in a relaxed and participatory setting.
Beyond film screenings, attendees can explore supplementary activities such as workshops and guided tours of nearby landmarks, including Bethlehem Chapel. Food stalls and merchandise stands are also integrated into the venue, reinforcing the festival’s hybrid identity as both a cinematic and social event.
While the films themselves are often defined by their technical shortcomings or unconventional narratives, Film Fest Naruby screens them out of genuine fondness. By combining historical venues, filmmaker engagement, and curated programming, the event highlights how so-called “bad” cinema can foster community, discussion, and unexpected appreciation.
More information on the year’s festival can be found at the official Film Fest Naruby website. If you can’t make it to the festival, organizers Kino Balt, now based in Prague’s Žižkov neighborhood, screen trash cinema all year round.
