Jihlava Documentary Festival showcases new films

The 30th anniversary of the Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival features over 350 films. Among the highlights is the documentary ‘Znovu vstaň’ (Rise Again) by Eliška Andršová Cílková, which follows Czech figure skater Barbora Vránková.

The film tracks Vránková’s three-year journey as a triple national champion preparing for the European Championships, exploring the intense pressure and psychological hurdles inherent in elite sports. Director Cílková noted that the film aims to be universal, reflecting the common human struggle with performance expectations.

Another featured work is a documentary about choreographer Jiří Kylián and his wife, Sabine Kupferberg. Directed by Olga Malířová Špátová, the film departs from traditional portraiture by utilizing a unique setting on the Dutch island of Terschelling. Described by producers as a ‘romantic documentary’, it captures the creative and personal bond between the two artists through long-term dialogue and filming sessions.