THE PAVEL KOUTECKÝ AWARD WENT TO THE DOCUMENTARY FILMS BEDWETTER AND IN THE DARK. SPECIAL RECOGNITION WAS AWARDED TO JAN ŠPAČEK

PAVEL KOUTECKÝ AWARD FOR FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY: BEDWETTER

Bedwetter is one of the self-investigative documentary films of director Jan Hušek produced by Matěj Paclík (Breathless Films) in cooperation with FAMU.

In an open documentary diary, the director captures the physical and spiritual transformation during his journey from boyhood to manhood. He returns to the roots of his childhood traumas, turning the camera on himself, his various "mentors" or his father. Over the course of five years of filming, he explored different prototypes of masculinity. This journey brought him closer to his goal of becoming a more sensitive and empathetic man, but is it possible to achieve "true masculinity"? His other documentaries of a similar type include Fuck You, I Love You, in which he documented a break-up with his girlfriend.

"Bedwetter was chosen because of his empathy with the question of the nature of being a man. In a sensitive way, he raises an important topic that often remains hidden and unanswered. His style and production are clearly a modern, authentic approach to the subject. The author, the director, who is also the main character of the film and the object of the viewer's exploration, allows us to ask questions that go beyond mere masculinity. Thanks to humour and exaggeration, it is possible to step safely into the space set out by the author, to get to know the author and oneself and not get lost," the jury explained its decision. 

The awarded film will be screened at the ELBE DOCK festival on 7 September at 19:00 in Ještěrka, with the participation of the director himself, followed by a debate.

PAVEL KOUTECKÝ AWARD FOR SHORT DOCUMENTARY: IN THE DARK

A deep life story starting with the sentence "I've actually had a weird relationship with sex all my life..." can be heard in Aneta J.'s winning film called In the Dark. The author of the documentary describes her difficult life story, saying that she can no longer pretend that her traumas do not exist. In her own way, she tries to use film to put her life back together with the idea that by telling it publicly, she might even help someone else.

The jury awarded the work that was created within the framework of a workshop realized by the platform My Street Films. "It is a powerful statement that articulates an important and still little discussed topic in the public space. The courage and openness that the preparation of this film required shows how powerful the topic is in front of us and how film language can help us build bridges and bring us closer to even the most complicated life situations, traumas and decisions," the jury highlighted.

The awarded short film In the Dark, together with other short films nominated this year, can be seen in Dresden on 8 September at 16:00.

SPECIAL JURY MENTION: DOUBT

The jury also unanimously agreed to award a special mention. It was awarded to the short animated essay Doubt by director Adéla Křižovenská. This short essay by a FAMU student describes all stages of the creative process through the voices of four different authors from different fields of art. "The film is visually stimulating, immersive, and its central element is a dilemma that probably every filmmaker faces. Its visuals meet the demanding criteria. The film is clear and shareable. It's an honest piece of work."

SPECIAL MENTION OF THE ELBE DOCK FESTIVAL: JAN ŠPAČEK AND HIS FABULATIONS

The ELBE DOCK festival's special mention for outstanding contribution to documentary filmmaking outside the cinema went to Jan Špaček, Czech youtuber and comedian. He is best known for his show Fabulace Jana Špačka, in which he interviews Czech politicians and other well-known personalities in his own satirical way. "For the first and last time in the history of the festival, we have decided to award a special prize to a filmmaker who walks the line between documentary, fiction and a look into the rooms of individual political figures," explains festival director Filip Kršiak.

The audience could meet Jan Špaček in person at the festival. He had his own programme at ELBE DOCK - Marathon with Jan Špaček.

You can read the full press release (in Czech) HERE.