2019
VOLODYMYR DIAGILEV
UKR / Executive director of the Dytiatko International Children´s Media Festival, member of ECFA – International jury
„I discovered that famous shoes brand Baťa is from Zlín. Unbelievable! I discovered four airplanes and countless different cars Škoda. I explored truck of Czech Biathlon Team and a little bit of the Zlín Film Studios. It was amazing days in Zlín. Thank too so much! All time me and children´s jury members felt your care.“
EGLĖ ČEPAITĖ
FRA / Festival Scope (platfrom for viewing films)
„As for the discoveries and explorations, I think my biggest discovery was Zlín itself, I enjoyed exploring the town through the Festival's landmarks around every corner. It's amazing to explore the city transformed into one joyous feast, thank you again for this!“
RAŠKO MILJKOVIĆ
SRB / Film director (The Witch Hunters), member of International Expert Jury for Feature Films for Children and Youth
„It was wonderful! Always great to come to Zlín, and enjoy the films and the good times! I guess I discovered some wonderful people from all over the world, and had some great conversations with them, about film, but about culture as well. I’d love to come back again with a new project!“
SARAH AHERN
IRL / Dramaturge and manager of the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, member of International Expert Jury for Student Films Zlín Dog
„It was my first time visiting the Czech Republic and I couldn't imagine a better way to be introduced to Czech people and Czech culture than through my experience on the Zlín Film Festival's, Zlín Dog Jury. I got to learn a lot about the history of the city of Zlín, a history rich with entrepreneurs, explorers, filmmakers and a space full of unique architecture. I also discovered many films from around the world through the student film competition and was really impressed by the level of craft and talent. The main programme was full of wonderful international titles for all ages and provides an important platform for children and young people. Finally I discovered fantastic like-minded people in my fellow jurors and juries and was exceptionally well looked after by all the Zlín Film Festival team. I hope to return again someday!“
CHRISTOPH BREHME
ITA / Film director of A Chick´s Adventure (International Competition of Short Animated Films for Children)
„It was really incredible being part of your festival. Everything was so well organised, all the people where friendly and the whole city participated. I am still in my bubble of memories and well, thank you a thousand times, it really gave me a lot of inspiration and energy!!!“
ZARA BALFOUR
GBR / Film director of Children of the Snow Land (Competition of European Documentary Films for Young Audience)
„I really enjoyed coming to Zlín. You've got such a wonderful festival. I was very impressed at the quality, scale and variety of the festival. It feels like you've combined a film festival, music festival and summer fair together to create something unique with a wonderful atmosphere. I also very much appreciated how well your team looked after me during my time in Zlín. It was very caring and thoughtful. Often one feels a bit alone at festivals due to not knowing anyone, but at Zlín I felt very much part of the group from the moment I arrived until the moment I left. I definitely hope to come back in future. Also if you ever would like me to be a jury member in future years, I'd be very happy to.“
ANTHONY WONG
USA / Animator and story sketch artist (Ratatouille, Toy Story 3,…), the president of Joint International Jury of Children and Adults for Animated Films
„What did I discover in Zlín? Working with passionate jury members, talking to young talents at Tomas Bata school, meeting amazing people,… the list keeps going, and of course, the beer! I am motivated to finish my short film and hope to return as a competitor.“
ROWENA MARTINEZ ULAYAN-TUZCUOGLU
TUR / Festival director of Universal Kids Film Festival, the president of ECFA – International jury
DISCOVERING ZLINNERS AND MYSELF Clouds passing by and drizzles of rain in May, Serenades of chirping birds perched upon branches Of verdant green trees dancing in mid-air whisked By wind, stole my heart away, slowly, sweetly. I dare not breath, the moment is immortal Sunset beyond mountains render crimson hues, Tints of grey on rooftops, chimneys, and courtyards Days begin on alabaster nights in Zlin The moon is silver etched among million stars, Laugh, dance, sing till you drop and all that mirth brings Elixir of eternal youth through my heart Mindless of carnal dictates, drink, no one sleeps. I discovered Zlin Find me And so much love in between.
ELEANOR WORTHINGTON-COX
GBR / Actress (Gwen, The Enfield Haunting, Britannia), 59th ZFF Young Star
„Even though I only spent a few days in Zlín, I found time to explore the city a little, and I even went to the top of your tallest building to admire the view. It was fascinating to learn about the history of your city, I discovered a lot about Tomáš Bata while doing a photo shoot next to his statue. It was an honour to be invited to Zlín and I owe a big thank you to Míla Řádová for making me feel so welcome. She also taught me about your traditions such as planting a tree at the festival every year! In future, I hope to return to Zlín with my children so they can see the tree I planted and be taught as I was about your city’s culture.“
XIAOJUAN ZHOU
CAN / Producer, distributor, the president of International Expert Jury for Feature Films for Children and Youth
„What did I discove & explore in Zlín?
The city of Zlín and its rich history
Walking around, meeting strangers on the streets and parks, tasting your food and smelling your air makes me part of your everyday life! A visit could not be complete with a pilgrimage to the Bat’a museum where I read many of his inspiring slogans (warship makes a man or a woman, I assume). His love for this city and his avant-garde philosophy in so many areas including cinema. He shaped your city, and his spirit lives on.
The Czech film industry
Even though, as a student of Mr. Rock Demers, I have been exposed to Czech cinema and its glorious past, to meet people like my co-juror Petr Oukropec and other Czech filmmakers helps me get a better grasp of the current status of the Czech film industry and explore potential collaboration, either intl distribution or multiple party coproduction or a mix of such
activities. We have certain ideas in mind, which need to be explored in the coming months/years.
Children’s films
I thought I would have seen most of the films selected in Zlín, but no, I have not seen most of them. So, to watch them with kids was a great experience. How to make films for them and about them is a constant subject in our minds. I am glad that our decision overlapped with theirs on ROCCA CHANGES THE WORLD but I am glad that we went with MY EXTRAORDINARY SUMMER WITH TESS and GIANT LITTLE ONES as our top choices.
Honestly, my experience has surpassed my expectations in a big way, for which I thank you both, your festival President, your staff and everybody else. Days passed by quickly and happily. Our jury members had a constructive and great time together. We had all the time to express our opinions, and came out with consensus and remain friends. That was our goal to go into Zlín and reached when departing Zlín.“
MAKIKO NANKE
JAP / Film director of Good Night (International Competition of Short Animated Films for Children)
„I was so glad that I could feel many children enjoyed my film together. I could believe my work was not wrong! I watched many short animated films and feature films every day for 4 days. Those themes, languages and cultures had many variation selected carefully for children and youth. I had never visited such a wonderful film festival for children and youth, in Japan. I really thought It's so great that many children had visited the festival as a part of education. Because I felt certain that it make them learn many things and they could feel how big the world is. I thought we must need it in Japan too. Thank you children, thank you Zlín. I'll be back someday.“
FRANK THOMAS GRAPL
NEZ / Whakaari Rotorua - Māori Cultural International performance group from Rotorua New Zealand
„I'm always happy to represent the Czech Republic back home in New-Zealand, but I'm also very happy that already for 59 years, the Zlin Film Festival gave a great visibility to films from New Zealand, and to the representation of the Indigenous people from my country. This makes me really proud.“
ČEJEN ČERNIĆ
CRO / Film director of The Mystery of Green Hill (Discover & Explore: Balkan Films)
„For me, the biggest discovery of the festival was festival itself. This year was my first at ZFF and I went home full of new impressions. Let “Discover & Explore” become a part of our everyday life.“
JIŘÍ KONEČNÝ
CZE / Film producer of Winter Flies (New Czech Films and TV Programmes)
„Jiří Konečný, how would you feel if WINTER FLIES would be screened tonight in a sold out theatre? – Konečný: Actually it IS sold out already, and that’s great. For every festival, the audience is the treasure. And Zlin really has that treasure. For us filmmakers, standing in front of a sold out theatre, is the best possible feeling.“
ĽUBICA ORECHOVSKÁ
SVK / Producer and distribution manager, member of International Expert Jury for European Feature Films
„New movies. I saw only a fraction of the rich festival program, but it also delighted the soul and convinced me that real and beautiful stories about children and adolescents, family and interpersonal relationships are still at the heart of talented filmmakers around the world. And they're getting more and more moving as I grow old. Outside of the cinema, I went to new places in the city again in Zlín, this time to the museum and gallery of the Baťa Institute, the nearby Vizovice and the legendary Rudolf Jelínek distillery. For the whole time I met and talked to many new and old friends at the strong brand Zlín Film Festival.“
Safdar Ahman
IND / Film director of Chippa (International Competition of Feature Films for Children)
CÉLINE LOOP
BEL / Film producer
RAJAT AGRAWAL
IND / Film producer
„We had a lovely time at Zlín! We loved showing the film to a young audience and the way they reacted to it. Congratulations for such a well organized, pleasant, beautifully programmed festival and thank you again to have selected Chippa to be a part of it. Thank you also for the way your team has taken care of us and for this lovely memories. We would love to be back to Zlín!“
RIMA DAS
IND / Film director (Village Rockstars, Bulbul Can Sing), member of International Expert Jury for Feature Films for Children and Youth
„I loved the atmosphere at Zlín – how the city came alive to celebrate cinema. I loved the enthusiasm with which parents expose their children to good cinema. It was truly a festival experience with the different activities, shopping, games, and of course films. For me, watching amazing films and discussing about them with my fellow jurors was the strawberry on the cake.“
STEVEN WOUTERLOOD
NLD / Film director of My Extraordinary Summer with Tess ((International Competition of Feature Films for Children), winner of Golden Slipper for Best Film for Children
„I’m a big friend of the Zlin Film Festival since I was here 3 years ago. I had an amazing time in Zlin and the people here started to feel like a kind of family to me. I promised myself: With my first feature film I want to come back here. And now is the moment! I’m here with MY EXTRAORDINARY SUMMER WITH TESS, and it’s so great to be back!“
MILENA TSCHARNTKE
GER / Actress (Jungle Child, Isy Way Out), 59th ZFF Young Star
„My experience at the Zlin Film Festival was very enjoyable! I wish I had more time to watch movies as there was a great selection of children and youth films - next time! I really enjoyed showing my movie ISY WAY OUT and the chance to talk with a young Czech audience about the movie & it’s issues after the screening was very important to me.“
JORDANNE JONES
IRL / Actress (Metal Heart, I Used to Live Here, Rebellion), 59th ZFF Young Star
„On my visit to Zlín Film Festival I discovered the love and enthusiasm for film and a great sense of community. I was welcomed back into a beautiful atmosphere and extraordinary energy from the tour guides, to the interviewers, Míla and the visitors and guests. I discovered some fantastic talent and was in awe at one film in particular, Broken Mirrors, directed by Imri Matalon and Aviad Givon.“
KATJA BENRATH
GER / Film director of Rocca Changes the World (International Competition of Feature Films for Children)
Winner of Main Prize of the Children’s Jury - for Best Feature Film for Children, Golden Apple – The City of Zlín Audience Award for Best Feature Film, Special Recognition of International Expert Jury for Feature Films and Ecumenical Jury
„ROCCA CHANGES THE WORLD this morning had its Zlin Film Festival premiere and it was fantastic. The cinema was packed, the audience was great, they laughed at all the right moments, and the voice over did a wonderful job; she was even singing in Czech and the result was great. I was so proud!"
SERGEI KIBUS
EST / Film director of Teofrastus (International Competition of Short Animated Films for Children)
„Zlín film festival was an unforgettable experience for me. I've had a chance to meet some of the friendliest people in the world. Discovered the natural beauty of Czech Republic - the hills, mountains & forests are pure and green. It was like visiting a fairy tale. And the festival itself was a chance for me to rediscover my own childhood - the selection of films and many events for kids. All of it radiated the feeling of nostalgia, home and safety. Many times I've felt like a little boy again. And it was a special honor for me to be part of a film festival in Czech Republic - because since childhood i've enjoyed Czech animated films a lot, some of them inspired me to start my own career in animation. So, thank you Zlín & the festival crew! It was amazing.“
OLYA GOLUBEVA
RUS / Film director, animator, member of Joint International Jury of Children and Adults for Animated Films
„I would like to thank you and every single person of the Zlín Film Festival team for the warm and unforgettable welcoming! It was a great honour to be a part of such a wonderful event!
I highly appreciate the trust that the Festival has given me by appointing me to the position of the international judge of animated films, as well as the great opportunity to meet and work together with the world's top professionals! The overall atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed! The Festival is created by people who are proud of their wonderful city of Zlín, as well as full of love for what they do! I absolutely adore the fact that the Film Festival is a grand celebration event which gives plenty of entertainment and exciting events to all the inhabitants of the wonderful city of Zlin, and not only the film industry experts and festival guests. It was great to learn about the history of the city and the talented businessman Tomas Bata, as well as visit his manor house and take the ride in the office elevator of the Zlín Skyscraper! I was very lucky to visit the animation department at Tomas Bata University during Antony's Wong workshop. Another enjoyable discovery was Film Studios. It was a great pleasure to get a sneak pick inside the studios and observe the process of the restorations of the old films! I never thought I will ever be connected with the Czech Republic but destiny gave me the unique opportunity to explore the cosy and friendly city of Zlín and meet wonderful people! Thank you so much for welcoming me to your fantastic family! I sincerely hope to be a part of the Festival in the future!“
FLOOR VAN DER MEULEN
NLD / Film director of The Last Male on Earth (Discover & Explore: Nature)
„What I like about this festival is the strong sense of Women Power! Almost the whole team is composed with women, and you can feel that in every aspect of the festival - they really make things work. It's a strong feeling and I appreciate it very much.“
KRISTINE SIMSONE
LAT / Novinářka, Journalist, organizer of Riga International Film Festival, member of ECFA – International jury
„I regard the festival as my main discovery, the scope and diversity of it was a truly pleasant surprise for me! But as I've also had a chance to walk around the city, I must say that I really enjoyed the unique pieces of modernist architecture - especially the ones in the industrial area of the city. It was a pity though, not to be able to see the interior of the grand cinema. Hopefully another time, when it is renovated!“
GUIDO COVENTS
BEL / Historian, member of SIGNIS, a Belgian association of professional film journalists, president of the Belgian African Film Festival, president of Ecumenical Jury
„I was happy to have discovered Zlin, as a green city, the impact of the festival on the city, above all in the weekend in the park. Also I was very emotional seeing the memorial monument of the citizens of Zlín who died in the second world war. That monument showed in fact also the presence of the inhabitants in the World but it was the first time I saw such a presence of inhabitants of European city who died for freedom. And of course, I did finally find out about Baťa - the shoes I bought are excellent!“