TOBIAS WIEMANN
Germany/Film director
It was an amazing experience to attend the ZFF. I have never seen such an enthusiastic audience before. We have to take care of our children and listening to them is so important. This festival does both perfectly and with its hospitality, professionalism and friendly atmosphere it is one of my favourite festivals.
MARJO KOVANEN
Finland
it was absolutely a great opportunity to spend a marvelous week in your beautiful town. I was very happy to surround myself with extraordinary history, film tradition and contemporary lively film culture. It was wonderful to visit this enormous festival dedicated solely to children´s film which also is executed with such an enthusiasm and high competence.
ELLA LEMHAGEN
Sweden/Film director
I was delighted to be invited to the well respected Zlin Film Festival, and I had such a great time there, at the screenings and the other events. I also appreciated to meet colleagues and new friends from all over the world. Thank you so much! I hope to be able to come back to Zlinfest one day.
PRITHVI KONANUR
India/Film director
The warm energy I felt with you is unique. And the fact that it is in a city with the amazing history of the origin of Bata makes it even special. It actually makes me happy to see children being able to be just children and have fun while celebrating films. Wishing for greater things for you in the future.
SLÁVEK HORÁK
Czech Republic/Film director
I had an incredibly wonderful time in Zlín. Everything was perfect in every way. For me my stay was a perfect holiday. I had no idea before that you are so big and so well organized and with so many great films. I will come back to you as soon as possible.
ARNO ASCHAUER
Austria/Film director
Here, and only here, the power is present, in all its beauty, its fright, its drama: The Cinematographic Power of Storytelling. I feel deeply grateful for this experience, thanks to the 57th International Film Festival and its organizers.
PETROS CHARALAMBOUS
Cyprus/Film director
What a wonderful festival made by beautiful, welcoming, passionate, hospitable, smiling and professional people! I enjoyed each moment-from the screenings to the city tours! A great festival to attend with a film that justifies the title of the biggest and oldest festival in the world for children! But most importantly cultivates the film culture to young audiences and creates the future cinema lovers! Thank you for everything!
MITSUO TAHIRA
Japan/Director of the International Film Children´s Film Festival KINEKO
You are very special to me. I feel each staff as my family. Ms. Keiko Toda tells her great experience she had in Zlin to many Japanese medias. At last, one of the most I like of Zlin Film Festival is its members and staffs. I will always support Zlin Film Festival from far east country, Japan.
NATALIA MALYKHINA
Russia/Animator and director
Thank you for your hospitality. Everything was wonderful - program, weather and organization. Just very sorry that I was not able to see as much films as I wanted to! Support programs for the guests were also very interesting. And I fell in love in your Bata shoe shop. Hope to come next year to buy me more Bata.
JO-ANNE BLOUIN
Canada/Director of the Children's Film Festival in Montreal
The Zlín festival is fantastic! It is one of the best I've ever visited. Not only do you get to see a wide range of films for children and teenagers here, but also the work of young filmmakers.
MICHAEL HARBAUER
Germany/Director of the Festival for Children and Young Audience Schlingel
This is a very warm-hearted and welcoming film festival. Thank you so much for the hospitality that not only I, but also the children's jury got to enjoy! I'm happy to have contributed to the establishment of friendship between the Zlín Film Festival and the Schlingel Festival in Germany.
HUGH O´CONOR
Ireland/Actor
It was a great honor to be part of Zlín's film festival. My reception was incredibly friendly and the choice of films for children and adults was great.
YOUKI YAMAMOTO
Japan/Film music composer
This festival is not only supported by children, film critics and film professionals, but by the whole city and its surroundings. Its warmth ranks at the top of all the festivals I have visited. I'm extremely thankful to the festival for giving me the opportunity to participate at such an exceptional event and I hope that I'll return to Zlín soon.
JODIE WHITTAKER
United Kingdom/Actress
I had a wonderful time at the festival and felt incredibly welcome. It was fantastic seeing all those children enjoying films from across the world. I hope the festival's success continues for many years to come.
GUNNAR KARLSSON
Iceland/Illustrator, animator
I knew beforehand that the best beer in the world is in Zlín, but it came as a pleasant surprise to find out that the best and biggest children film festival is to be found there as well. It is an inspiration and an honor for any filmmaker to get the opportunity to experience the hospitality and the atmosphere of this children's-film-loving city.
MICHEL GALABRU
France/Actor
Having a cinema crammed with children was an amazing experience. This festival truly has an enchanting atmosphere.
ALAIN GSPONER
Switzerland/Film director
I enjoyed my time as a jury member very much. I’ve participated in so many festivals around the world, but you are extraordinary. I went trough the city and it seemed that every square, every large lawn, every corner celebrated you. The whole city was the festival. The level of the films in the youth section was extremely high. Each movie could be the winner, all of them were so strong, and it was a hard job to make the right decision.
DANIEL HUTTLESTONE
United Kingdom/Actor
Thank you so much for all the support you gave me. I really enjoyed my time and experience out in Zlin and would love to come back next year. Thank you once again all the best.
KIRSTEN CARTHEW
Canada/Film director
The festival exceeded all expectations. The lineup was fantastic and we were so thrilled to meet so many talented filmmakers and industry influencers from around the globe. Clearly, yours is a festival that has a legacy of experience – everything was so beautifully organized, easy, and smart. The leadership of the festival is outstanding – such that everyone we met, from the drivers, to the interns, to your fantastic programmers, were all so wonderful, generous and detail-oriented.
DANIEL BERGMAN
Sweden/Film director
Thank you for hospitality, kindness and wonderful care on me and my daughter as guests at the Zlin film festival. Thank you for having us at the 2017 edition.
EFIM GRABOY
Israel/Film director
Every time I'm thinking about those days in Zlín, I'm a happy person. I'm thankful for this event and everybody around it gave me so much inspiration to live now, to create now. Zlin you will always have a warm part in my heart. And i hope we will meet soon again. Thank to all to people that are working on that event.
DAGMAR PETRICK
Germany
It has been such a good and enchanting experience, we leave entirely enriched and there is only one thing left to say: Thank you for those precious days, the superb choice of films, the highly professional organization, the hearty welcome, the thrilling atmosphere which involved the entire city! You had the whole world come to Zlín and the world loved to be there. Thank you so much and all the very best for future celebrations!
PETER MACHEN
United Kingdom/Screenwriter, actor
My time at Zlin was fantastic. It's a festival that many others would have a lot to learn from. To see the whole town involved and to create such a positive atmosphere really is a brilliant accomplishment. I felt that it really was a celebration of film, of storytelling and of expertise. The quality of films at the festival was very high and there were some with very challenging subject matter. To have won a Golden Slipper with our first feature was amazing and beyond our expectations. It gives us energy and conviction and helps with all our new projects. What an inspiration you are. To encourage and champion youth, to give them a voice and a choice.
FREDERIK NØRGAARD
Denmark/Actor, writer and director
Thank you for an amazing week. It was a great treat to experience your passion for film on literally every street corner. The spirit and heart flows through every official, guest and audience member, who escaped the beautiful weather into the world of cinema. In my mind Zlin FILMFEST is exactly that, a fest for film, and the reason why festivals exists and are important not just for the local audience but for film as an art form. I’ll be back.
TAWFEEK BARHOM
Israel/Actor
I hope everything went well in festival and now you’re taking a good rest that you deserve. I just want to thank you for wonderful days I’ve had in Zlín. Was a great therapy for me being in this beautiful city. I especially enjoyed the people and your beautiful mind. Hope we’ll get to meet again. I’d love to get contact list of « young stars » as I’d love to keep in contact.
FRODO KUIPERS
Netherlands/Animation director, animator
The Zlín Film Festival was a great experience for me! It gave me the opportunity to enjoy its fantastic atmosphere, very good organization and the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people. Thank you very much, Zlín!
MARTIN MCCANN
Ireland/Actor
From the moment I arrived at the Zlin Film Festival, I was overwhelmed by the festival's energy and the way I was greeted. I was lucky to have experienced the celebration of Irish film at the festival, which made the whole thing even more special. People were friendly and nice. I felt real warmth and appreciation over the fact than I took part at this growing festival
STANA KATIC
Canada/Actress
The film festival in Zlín was a great experience. I liked the city and I was captivated by the Baťa skyscraper. The entire building impressed me. As a member of the jury, I had to see a lot of films. The screenings of the competitive films were very emotional and the movies took my breath away. And the best thing about a festival like this is that you get to meet other filmmakers. I have a wide range of beautiful memories from Zlín's film festival. It was great.
JAN HŘEBEJK
Czech Republic/Film director
The festival has the advantage of traditionally taking place at the start of summer when Zlín has such beautiful weather. So apart from its film program it also provides many attractions that are not film-related. That's why it's so popular with guests. It might be necessary to stress that even adult film fans come to this festival. This year (2011) there was a wonderful series of classic Italian and Hungarian films.
JIŘÍ MENZEL
Czech Republic/Film director
There are so few pleasant family festivals in the world such as the one in Zlín. It's not quite small, but while there one feels like at home among their own family.
JOEL HALEY OSMENT
USA/Actor
What you do for young audiences is overwhelming.
KRZYSZTOF ZANUSSI
Poland/Film director
I met many young people in Zlín who have an immense interest in movies. And that's what I like about the Zlín festival. There is close contact with them and talking to them is very exciting.
MARIA DOYLE KENNEDY
Ireland/Actress
Thank you Zlín. We had a beautiful time at your festival. We were welcomed with warmth and were taken care of as a royal family. We had a chance to meet several interesting, creative people. I am more than grateful for the intelligent and thoughtful film programme. I left with a large list of films I have to watch. Thank you!
LINDE FRÖHLICH
Germany/Artistic Director of the Nordic Film Days Lübeck
I spent a very good time in the extraordinary City of Zlín and I was very impressed by the amazing history, tradition and architecture of the city. Whenever I will remember the summer of I will remember the nice people I met at the festival. They were all so friendly and dedicated and have given their best to make us feel good and to make the festival a success. It was very well organized and had a very pleasant atmosphere and above all a high-quality program.
ROK GOVEDNIK
Slovenia/Director of film educational institute Vizo and festival director of Eye on Film festival
When I came to Zlín in 2015 for a first time, it amazed me at first sight. Perfectly organized, fulfilled with so wide programme, for children, professionals, in parks, in conference rooms and especially in cinemas. The variety of your film programme is wonderful every year and truly the best guide for preparing my own film festival for children and youth in Slovenia.
ALICE SCHMID
Switzerland/Documentary filmmaker
It's a dream for every director to be invited to the world’s oldest children's film festival Zlín with the most popular Golden Slipper as a trophy.
MIRA FORSELL
Sweden/Child actress
I thougt it was wery fun to be at the Zlin Film Festival. I am proud and glad that my movie Up in the Sky was a part of the festival. I went there with my Mother, and we had a nice time and was really taken care of. I enjoyed all the activities for kids in Zlin, for example the great playgroung in the park and the lovely Zoo. Hope to se you again!
NATALIE MINNEVIK
Sweden/Actress
I felt very welcome as a guest to this beautiful festival and wonderful town. Everywhere I went, both in the festival area and in town, I was greeted with happiness and warmth. I will cherish the memories from this festival. I will remember the open and inspiring atmosphere, wonderful gala-evening and all nice new friends that I met.
JURAJ NVOTA
Slovakia/Film director
I am grateful for your invitation and thank you for the infusion of young inspirational films and for many new friendships. The festival has a great atmosphere and with its concept it is like any event in the world. I wish the festival lots of love and understanding.
ANN VIKSTROM
Canada/Program director of the Chicago International Children´s Film Festival
Thank you for the outstanding job you did in making us feel on top of our obligations, comfortable in our surroundings, and at ease at all times. Can't speak for my jury members, but I know I already have a very warm memory of our experience. It was an honor, privilege, and very special treat to serve this season.
TIM CLAGUE
United Kingdom/Film director
Thank you for such a warm welcome this year. It was my first time at Zlin but it was like I was meeting up again with old friends. Here in the UK, we don’t make many films for children, so we don’t have many colleagues who can offer good support and guidance. Zlin was like finding a whole new family, which was exciting and so useful as we start to make our next movie.
ROCK DEMERS
Canada/Film lover, as well as producer and ex-distributor
How many times have I been to ZLÍN? 15 times? 20 times... since the first time in 1963! But always as if it was for the first time. The gentleness of each person involved in the organization. So professionally organized. The quality and the size of the programming is stunning. The meetings with friends and professionals from all over the world. Long life to the ZLÍN FILM FESTIVAL!
MEHRAM AMROHI
India/Film director
To all the children-film makers around the globe, here is my suggestion for you all that you should attend this beautiful, delightful and elegant film festival called "Zlin international film festival", you guys can thank me later. I am very thankful to the entire festival team for that great warmth.
JACCO GROEN
Netherlands/Film director
I'm truly grateful that festivals like the one in Zlín exist. In my opinion, it is a unique, well organized event with a friendly atmosphere. I'm grateful for being part of all this.
MARTIN DUFFY
Ireland/Screenwriter, film director and editor
I had a wonderful time at Zlín's film festival. When I was at the festival, I once again saw the warm and willing smiles that I miss. My work in the jury was interesting. The joy of being among such warm and fantastic people – that will be what I remember most from my stay.
IVAN BARNEV
Bulgaria/Actor
My stay in Zlín was great. This was my first time at a festival for children and young people and I was really happy to gain some experience in such an atmosphere. And for that, I was invited to do something that I like best – watch movies! To tell the truth, I didn't know anything about Zlín's festival before my visit, but I was surprised to find out that it is one of the most important film festivals in Europe and that it has a huge amount of diverse films from all over the world.
SCOTT D. ROSENBAUM
USA/Film director
I must admit I was unsure how my film, an American independent picture, would be received in a country with such a rich cinematic history. Having the privilege to screen, "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll," on the opening night at the Grand Cinema was one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. The audiences response and appreciation for the film was something I will never forget. The festival was so well organized, so gracious in welcoming me.
SIR CHRISTOPHER LEE
United Kingdom/Actor
It was the most marvelous experience to attend the Zlín Film Festival. It was such an interesting event, so well organized and the professionalism together with everybody's hospitality and charm, made it very unique. I am not surprised that it has been going on for so many years! With all my best wishes.
ANDREJ CHALIMON
Russia/Actor
The festival center is truly first class among international standards. I've never seen another festival like this. If I were invited to Zlín, I wouldn't hesitate. And when I was, I immediately agreed. There was nothing to decide.
PATRICK MCCABE
Ireland/Writer
Zlín Film Festival is very unique, full of vitality, excitement and enthusiasm. It may be the best festival of its kind and with its concentration of youth and children makes sure that film magic in the modern world is in good hands. Bravo, Zlín!!