A new Slovak-Czech romantic tragicomedy, Lover, Not a Fighter (Milovník, ne bojovník), premiered at the 2026 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this week, where it competed in the Proxima section dedicated to emerging filmmakers from around the world. The feature debut from Slovak writer-director Martina Buchelová follows two young people searching for connection and stability in an uncertain world.
The film had its world premiere on July 6 at the festival’s Municipal Theatre. It marks Buchelová’s first feature-length project after a series of internationally recognized short films and was produced with participation from Czech production company Nochi Film.
A fragile romance in a chaotic world
Lover, Not a Fighter centers on Andrej, a young man who has created a simple plan for his life: avoid trouble, stay home, spend time with his grandmother and avoid unnecessary complications. His routine changes when he unexpectedly meets Míša, and a conversation over a bottle of Fanta develops into a fragile romance.
The film explores the uncertainty faced by a younger generation trying to find meaning and emotional security in a rapidly changing world. Buchelová said the story was inspired by the experience of young people attempting to navigate adulthood while facing instability and a lack of clear answers.
“We wanted to tell a story about young people who are not prepared for all the chaos and uncertainty of today’s world, but who are still trying to find meaning and love within it,” Buchelová said. “We live in a time when we cannot be certain about almost anything. Yet young people continue to search for honesty, meaning and the feeling that something truly matters.”
The leading roles are played by Adam Kubala and Michaela Kostková. Kubala, who gained attention for portraying figure skater Ondrej Nepela in Last Routine, plays Andrej, while Kostková portrays Míša. The cast also includes Jaroslava Pokorná, František Beleš, Mia Sofia Arpášová, Marián Mitaš, Eva Bándor and Jaroslav Vojtek.
The film combines professional actors with non-professional performers, with Buchelová emphasizing the naturalistic approach to the characters and performances. The director said Kubala brought a sense of authenticity and ease to the role of Andrej.
Czech production involvement and festival debut
Lover, Not a Fighter is Buchelová’s first feature after studying film and television directing at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava and completing studies at Prague’s Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU). Her short film Magic Moments premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, while Green Line was selected for the Future Frames program at Karlovy Vary.
The film was produced by Slovak company NINJA film, led by producers Michaela Kaliská and Erika Paulinská, with Czech participation from Nochi Film, founded by producer Julie Marková Žáčková. The Czech company has focused on supporting emerging filmmakers and independent projects, including the recent Czech film Promise, I’ll Be Fine.
Additional partners on the production include Slovak broadcaster STVR and Prague-based Unit and Sofa. The project received support from the Slovak Audiovisual Fund and Czech Audiovisual Fund.
The Proxima competition at Karlovy Vary presents innovative work from a new generation of filmmakers and replaces the festival’s former East of the West competition. Following its festival premiere, Lover, Not a Fighter is scheduled for release in Czech cinemas in autumn 2026, with Czech distribution handled by Aerofilms.
