A record 8,798 visitors were accredited at this year’s international festival Academia Film Olomouc (AFO) of Palacký University. The festival turned the town into a global science popularisation centre for six days and hosted over 250 Czech and foreign guests, from scientists to filmmakers, producers, and distributors.
The films at the festival explore the full spectrum of scientific endeavour. Filmmakers from around the world bring attention to nature, human empathy, and the complexities of our history, and boldly experiment with cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to documentary filmmaking. In the International Competition, the film Woodpeckers: The Hole Story took the main prize. Exploring the importance of woodpeckers in global context is an extraordinarily colourful experience that shows the possibilities of contemporary wildlife documentary at its best.
“This year’s programme drew a memory map, brought dinosaurs to life, didn’t shy away from exploring psychedelics, and revealed the magic of mycelium. The festival turned into a funfair of memories for both visitors and the festival team. It offered a unique space combining friendly openness and fun with intellectual depth. We are thrilled by the record audience numbers and sold-out venues. The festival guests – from scientists and researchers to prominent filmmakers, DJs, and musical performers – were all enchanted by the local atmosphere and the Olomouc audience,” said Ondřej Kazík, head of programming.
