The Czech film industry celebrated it’s finest talents at the 2025 core Hilm Birth Rewards, a gala evening that recognized outstanding achievements in cinema.Held in the Aroch + area, the event was a testament to the creativity and dedication of Czech filmmakers, with six films and one series taking center stage.
The night’s biggest winner was America, directed by Viktor Tauš, which claimed the title of Best Movie. Tauš’s visionary work also earned him the award for Best Directing, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s leading figures. The film, a poignant exploration of identity and ambition, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Pavla Brehetová shone brightly, winning two awards for her role in A Widow Year.Her portrayal of a woman navigating loss and resilience captivated viewers, while Eugen Lška’s screenplay for the same film was lauded as the Best Screenplay. The film’s emotional depth and narrative complexity made it a standout in this year’s competition.
In the documentary category, Klára Tronovska’s I’m Still Not Who I Want to Be took home the prize for Best Documentary. The film,which delves into themes of self-revelation and change,was praised for its raw honesty and compelling storytelling.
The Best Actor award went to Kaiser’s Old for his role in Year of the Garden, a film that also garnered acclaim for its heartfelt portrayal of familial bonds. Meanwhile,Jan Kadlec was recognized for his exceptional work in America,winning the Translating Principal award for his contributions to costume and production design.
The evening also celebrated emerging talent, with the New-Nogy Prize awarded to Re-Repap for their innovative work from March to May. In the category of Regions Despite the Cinema,Markovic Mode: Walker emerged victorious,a crime drama that captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances by Paou’s Paou and Joroslav Hruška.
Short films were not overlooked, with Jan Saska’s Hurricane winning the Best Short Film award. The black-and-white romantic drama was hailed for its visual artistry and emotional impact.
The event also marked a milestone for Youtuber Jan ŠPeak, who hosted the ceremony for the 15th time, bringing his signature charm and wit to the stage.
Here’s a summary of the night’s winners:
| Category | Winner | Film/Work |
|—————————-|————————————-|—————————–|
| Best Movie | Viktor Tauš | America |
| Best Documentary | Klára Tronovska | I’m Still Not Who I Want to Be |
| Best Directing | Viktor Tauš | America |
| Best Screenplay | Eugen Lška | A Widow Year |
| Best Actor | Kaiser’s Old | Year of the Garden |
| Best Actress | Pavla Brehetová | A Widow Year |
| Translating Principal | Jan Kadlec | America |
| New-Nogy Prize | Re-Repap | From March to May |
| Regions Despite the Cinema | Paou’s Paou & Joroslav Hruška | Markovic Mode: walker |
| Best short Film | Jan Saska | Hurricane |
The 2025 Core Hilm Birth Rewards not only celebrated the best of Czech cinema but also highlighted the industry’s ability to tell stories that resonate on a worldwide level. as the curtain fell on this year’s ceremony,the anticipation for what’s next in Czech filmmaking continues to grow.
Czech Cinema Shines at the 2025 Core Hilm Birth Rewards: A Night of Visionary Filmmaking
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The Czech film industry gathered in full force at the 2025 Core Hilm Birth Rewards, an annual gala celebrating the finest achievements in cinema. Held in the vibrant Aroch+ district, the event honored remarkable films, series, and creative talents, showcasing the depth and diversity of Czech storytelling. Viktor Tauš’s America dominated the evening,winning best Movie and Best Directing,while Pavla Brehetová and klára Tronovska were among the standout artists recognized for their contributions. From poignant dramas too groundbreaking documentaries, the awards highlighted the industry’s ability to craft stories that resonate globally.
Viktor Tauš’s Vision: Crafting a masterpiece
Editor: Viktor, America was the big winner of the night. What inspired you to tell this story of identity and ambition?
viktor Tauš: Thank you. The inspiration for America came from my own experiences and observations of peopel chasing their dreams, often at the cost of their identity. I wanted to explore the tension between ambition and self-revelation, a theme that I believe resonates universally.The film’s success is a testament to the incredible team behind it, especially Jan Kadlec, whose work in costume and production design brought the story to life.
Editor: Pavla, your performance in A Widow Year was breathtaking. How did you prepare for such an emotionally demanding role?
Pavla Brehetová: Thank you. This role required deep introspection. I spent months researching grief and resilience, speaking with people who had experienced loss firsthand. The screenplay by Eugen Lška was so beautifully nuanced; it gave me the foundation to portray this woman’s journey authentically. Winning both awards is a humbling recognition of the hard work we all poured into this project.
Klára Tronovska’s Honest Exploration of Self
Editor: Klára, your documentary I’m Still Not Who I Want to Be is raw and deeply personal. What challenges did you face while making it?
Klára Tronovska: The biggest challenge was being vulnerable on camera. The film is about self-revelation and change, so I had to confront my own insecurities and fears. it was a cathartic process, but also incredibly rewarding. I’m thrilled that audiences connected with the honesty of the story.
Recognizing Emerging Talent: The New-Nogy Prize
Editor: Re-Repap, congratulations on winning the New-Nogy Prize. Your work is known for its innovation. What drives your creative process?
Re-Repap: Thank you! Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We’re constantly experimenting with new techniques and ideas, pushing boundaries to create something fresh and unexpected. Winning this award is a huge encouragement to keep exploring and taking risks.
Jan Saska’s Visual Artistry in Short Film
Editor: Jan, Hurricane won Best Short Film. What was your approach to blending visual artistry with emotional storytelling?
Jan Saska: I wanted every frame to evoke emotion, so I focused on the interplay between light and shadow, using black-and-white cinematography to highlight the raw emotions of the characters. It’s incredibly gratifying to see this film resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Celebrating Czech Cinema’s Global Impact
Editor: As we wrap up, what does this night mean for the future of Czech filmmaking?
Viktor Tauš: This night is a party of our industry’s ability to tell stories that transcend borders. Czech filmmakers are bold,creative,and unafraid to tackle complex themes. As we look to the future, I’m excited to see how we’ll continue to push the boundaries of cinema and inspire audiences worldwide.
Conclusion: The 2025 Core Hilm Birth Rewards not only honored the best of Czech cinema but also showcased the industry’s commitment to storytelling that resonates on a global scale. From visionary directors to emerging talents, the event highlighted the creativity and dedication that continue to drive Czech filmmaking forward.