Zlín Film Festival Unveils Competition Titles for Its 66th Edition - Festivals / Awards - Czech Republic

Key Takeaways

• Opening film *When Parents Turn Divine* premieres at Zlín Festival
• Festival marks 90th anniversary of Zlín Film Studios
• Youth Category features strong female protagonists, reflecting global trends
• ZLINFEST PRO adds sessions on sustainability and film education
• International competition showcases European auteur youth cinema

Pulse Analysis

The Zlín Film Festival, celebrated as the world’s oldest and largest gathering for children’s and youth cinema, kicks off its 66th edition from May 28 to June 3. The opening night will feature the world premiere of *When Parents Turn Divine*, a Czech family fantasy by debut directors Adam Hobzík and Jan Chramosta that weaves Slavic mythology into a contemporary story. The event also commemorates the 90‑year legacy of Zlín Film Studios, a historic hub of animation, advertising and special‑effects that helped shape Central European film culture. This dual focus on new talent and heritage underscores Zlín’s role as a cultural touchstone.

The competition slate reflects a broader shift toward diverse storytelling and gender balance. Female protagonists dominate the Youth Category, mirroring global production trends that prioritize inclusive narratives for young audiences. European auteur cinema is well represented, with entries such as *The Altar Boys* from Poland, Sweden’s *Bert*, and the UK’s *Ish*, each exploring friendship, identity and authority through distinct cultural lenses. Co‑productions like the Czech‑Croatian‑Slovak animated feature *The Crystal Planet* illustrate the festival’s commitment to cross‑border collaboration, while the inclusion of Cannes Caméra d’Or winner *The President’s Cake* brings a Middle‑Eastern perspective to the lineup.

Beyond screenings, ZLINFEST PRO positions the festival as a laboratory for sustainable film economics and education. The industry strand hosts an international conference on partnership models between children’s festivals, commercial partners and local institutions, addressing the financing challenges of a shifting cultural market. Workshops on digital‑game mechanics in classrooms and mobile audiovisual creation aim to equip educators and emerging creators with practical tools. By linking the 90‑year studio legacy with forward‑looking sessions on sustainability and interdisciplinary teaching, Zlín reinforces its influence on both the creative pipeline and the business infrastructure of children’s media worldwide.