Czech-German programme at BOO IFF
The Czech-German programme aims to develop cross-border cooperation and create space for connecting the professional and audience worlds in the field of short film. The programme's partner is the 41st International Short Film Festival Berlin, one of Europe's most important platforms for short film production and education of new generations of film professionals and audiences. The flagship of the programme is the Czech-German BOO short film competition, which presents a selection of the best contemporary short films from both countries and opens a dialogue between filmmakers, audiovisual professionals, and audiences. The programme also advocates film education and work with young audiences on both sides of the border.
The programme is supported by the Czech-German Funf for the Future.
Czech-German BOO
Kino Kavalírka, November 5–7
The Czech-German BOO competition section offers a selection of 18 of the best contemporary short films from both countries. You can look forward to a wide range of films – from documentaries and animated films to unconventional film experiments and perhaps even some bizarre ones.
The winners are selected by a professional jury composed of female experts from the Czech Republic and Germany. The competition selection, which combines films from the best and largest festivals with promising discoveries, focuses primarily on works intended for adult audiences, but also gives space to films that appeal to children, teenagers, seniors, and other target groups. The festival thus transcends the usual boundaries – we are primarily interested in the quality of individual films.
Czech-German Jury
The winning film of the Czech-German BOO competition will be selected by a jury consisting of four leading female film experts from both Czechia and Germany.
Animated short films with live music for primary schools and kindergartens
MeetFactory, November 7 from 9:30 a.m.
We combine screenings of short animated films with original musical accompaniment created live on stage. The musicians combine electronics with live instruments, and their playing responds to the images on the screen, the mood in the hall, and the children themselves. The performance shows that music is an integral part of film – it makes up half of the film experience, and its changes can fundamentally alter the meaning and tone of scenes. The audience will experience how the same image can become suspenseful, cheerful, or poetic just thanks to the musical accompaniment.
Animated shorts for smallest ones and their parents
MeetFactory, November 7 from 3:30 p.m.
Come see short animated films that are given a whole new life thanks to live music! Musicians combine electronic and acoustic instruments, and their tones respond not only to what is happening on screen, but also to the mood in the hall. Children will discover that a film is not just images—music makes up almost half of the experience and can transform the same scene into something scary, funny, or magical. Together, we will discover how images and sounds turn into adventures.
Something Like a Party: Industry Networking
MeetFactory, November 7 from 7:30 p.m.
Something Like a Party: Industry Networking is an evening meeting of film and audiovisual professionals with a special emphasis on Czech-German connections. However, the event is also open to guests from other countries and creates space for international dialogue and sharing experiences.
CINEMINI: Teaching Film Education to the Youngest Audiences
Kino Kavalírka, November 8 from 1:30 p.m.
What are the possibilities of film and audiovisual education in the field of preschool education? How can we teach preschoolers the language of film and develop their critical thinking from the earliest age? What are the educational principles and methods of the unique film education project Cinemini, and how can they be implemented in practice? How does Cinemini support the respectful development of young viewers?
Film Education and Students’ Mental Wellbeing in the Czech–German Context
Kino Kavalírka, November 8
How can film education contribute to the mental wellbeing of pupils and students? What opportunities and challenges arise when working with film in Czech and German school environments?
A moderated discussion and workshop with teachers and film education experts from the Czech Republic and Germany will offer inspiring perspectives on how film can be used to explore topics such as mental wellbeing, empathy, and self-reflection, while fostering a safe and supportive classroom environment.
The sharing of specific approaches, experiences, and methods will serve as inspiration for teachers and professionals who wish to use film not only as an artistic medium but also as a pedagogical and supportive tool.
Exchange programme for German students
Prague, November 6–9
This exchange programme for secondary school students will bring together young women from Czechia and Germany in cooperation with the Interfilm Berlin festival, which has long supported the development of women in film. Five German students will bring their experience from similar projects to Prague, where they will participate in workshops focused on editing, sound, film selection, and leading discussions together with Czech participants. The program develops not only professional skills, but also intercultural communication and the self-confidence of young women.