Introducing the Winners of BOO 2026
In the European BOO and Czech-German BOO competitions, the juries, comprising representatives of prestigious European film festivals and other prominent figures from the audiovisual industry, decided to award the following short films:
European BOO
The jury, consisting of Chloë van Baar (Producer and Programme Coordinator at Cinekid Festival), Sigrid Hadenius (Director of Uppsala Short Film Festival) and Jukka-Pekka Laakso (Director of Tampere Film Festival), selected Easter Day by Mykola Zasieiev.
“A very human film about a very inhuman situation. A film about duty, faith and sacrifice. It is light hearted and humorous and the director has a very good eye for details creating characters that feel true. The award for the best film goes to Easter Day directed by Mykola Zasieiev.”
Czech-German BOO
The jury, consisting of Jana Cernik (Executive Director of the German Short Film Association – AG Kurzfilm), Ivana Indra (Editor-in-Chief of Czech Television’s iVysílání), Michaela Režová (filmmaker and university lecturer) and Kathi Seemann (Head of DOK.education at DOK.fest München), selected Unleaded 95 by Tina Emy Muffler and Emma Hütt.
“This short film takes us on a wild ride through the world full of physicality, excitement, sex and untamed emotions. It shocks us, refuels us and chases us. Simply put, we are hooked. This all thanks to its direct cinema style and outstanding camera work, always at an eye level with the protagonists. The filmmakers take us into a world that is ruled by daring women who get angry, but also show up for each other and show us the importance of a strong united queer lesbian community. The award goes to Unleaded 95 directed by Emma Hütt and Tina Emy Muffler.”
The juries of the miniBOO, 12+BOO, 15+BOO and BOO for the Elder and Wiser competitions, made up of active audience members who took part in an intensive film programmes during the festival, selected the following winners:
miniBOO
The jury members, aged 4 to 8, selected Into the Forest by Antonin Niclass.
“The film made us laugh and impressed us with its playfulness and fun ideas. We especially liked the jumping monkeys and the forest they built.”
12+BOO
The jury members, aged 12 to 14, selected Visitor by Vojtěch Konečný.
“We chose this film because it drew us into its story right from the start. We appreciated its use of sleep paralysis as a horror theme and the way it blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality. Through its cinematography, editing and music, the film masterfully plays with the viewer’s psychology, drawing us into the main character’s feelings and evoking fear of the unknown, as well as curiosity and suspense. We also admire how the film relies on just two actors in the leading roles, who manage to carry the entire story and create a compelling horror experience. We award the prize to Visitor by Vojtěch Konečný.”
15+BOO
The jury members, aged 15 to 19, selected Marie Lukáčová’s film Orla.
“We were impressed by the film’s creative variety of editing styles, combining animation with live-action footage, as well as its blend of narrative genres, including drama, fairy tale, comedy and musical. We appreciated its modern interpretation of traditional Czech fairy-tale elements and the strong, naturally portrayed female protagonist, whose empowering and refreshing character moves beyond conventional romantic relationships. The film also stands out for its diverse cast, representing different body types and individual characteristics, and for its varied musical styles, which contribute to its distinctive character. For all these reasons, we chose Orla.”
BOO for the Elder and Wiser
The jury members, aged 60 and over, selected A Friend of Dorothy by Lee Knight.
“We decided to award a film that resonates with our age group. It reminds us that friendship, hope and reasons to be happy can be found at any age. It also shows how important it is to find a way to understand one another and to listen. We also appreciate the British humour, the outstanding performances and the undeniable filmmaking quality. We hope that as many people as possible will get the chance to see this film. We give the award to A Friend of Dorothy.”