Introducing the filmmakers nominated in the short film category
The authors of the short film section work with documentary as a space for personal experience, physicality, and inner experience, often on the borderline between essay, animation, and visual experiment. What they have in common is the ability to precisely identify an intimate theme and translate it into a distinctive, formally confident cinematic language.
Jáchym Bouzek – Flares
Jáchym Bouzek is a visual artist and animated film director, currently pursuing a master's degree in animated film at École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. The latest film, Flares, created as part of these studies, has been selected for the official competition of Annecy 2025. The work explores traditional and digital animation techniques, blending them to create narratives with strong visual storytelling.
Jana Hunterová – The Landscape of Human Essence
Jana Hunterová is a documentary filmmaker and photographer working on long-term author-driven projects that combine observational documentary, experimental film, and a strong sense of place. Her work explores social and environmental themes in the Czech Republic and abroad. She also teaches audiovisual practice and holds a PhD from the Institute of Creative Photography in Opava.
Eliška Jirásková – Better Man
Eliška Jirásková is a student in the Bachelor's program at the Department of Animated Film at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. During her studies, she has created three short films: Night Mode (2023), Beware Children! (2023), and Better Man (2025). Her film Beware Children! was selected for the Czech Horizon section at the prestigious festival of animated films in Liberec – Anifilm. In her work, Eliška enjoys exploring popular topics, particularly those relatable to the younger generation, and approaches them with lightness and humor.
Mariana Petřáková – Womb+
Mariana Petřáková studied journalism and gender studies at Charles University. She works as an editor and writer for Nový Prostor magazine, co-organizes the Reproductive Justice Month event, occasionally speaks or shouts at demonstrations, and enjoys reading lesbian literature. Despite her dislike of the German language, she currently lives in Vienna.
Nora Štrbová – What If We Run Out of Stones?
Nora Štrbová studied animation and documentary directing at FAMU. Her short films were acclaimed and awarded around the world (Vision du Réel, IDFA, Poitiers Film Festival, ANNECY etc.) and nominated for Czech Film Critics’ Awards. She is also the author of music videos and animated jingles.