The fifteen-year history of this international festival of popular science films proves that the promotion of science has its fans across generations. Every autumn, students and staff of CZU – as well as people from the surrounding community – look forward to this showcase of documentaries that take them deep into the fascinating world of science. The films present scientific topics in an engaging and accessible way, while often revealing deeper issues behind the scenes — as reflected in this year’s festival theme, “Dive In.”
The Prague Science Film Fest will take place in the CZU Auditorium from 20 to 23 October.
For its anniversary edition, the organizers of the Prague Science Film Fest have prepared a selection of top documentaries from around the world, virtual reality screenings, and, as a special bonus, a lecture by Czech Television presenter Daniel Stach in the CZU Auditorium.
This year’s competition attracted a record 2,830 film submissions from across the globe — making the selection process especially challenging. In the end, 21 films were chosen to compete in two main categories: the International Competition and the Short Film Competition.
“The films will be judged by a jury composed of leading representatives of our faculties, as well as a student jury that includes members from all six CZU faculties and the university’s institute. This combination gives the festival a unique dimension — connecting experience with a fresh, youthful perspective,” says Karolína Otcová, the festival coordinator at CZU.
Understanding animal emotions, diving into aquariums, and exploring addiction
Festival visitors can find answers to these and many other questions through the screenings — or learn more in follow-up discussions with scientists and experts. For instance, Do Pigs Grunt with Pleasure? presents research that uses AI to decode the vocalizations of domestic pigs. Kratom Collectors offers an in-depth look at the growing use of this complex substance. Fasting: A New Path for Medicine examines the benefits and risks of abstaining from food for two weeks. And Light Dark Light tells the remarkable story of people who regained their sight after thirty years, thanks to a new type of implant.
A particularly exciting part of this year’s program will be the virtual reality showcase, featuring several outstanding VR films. Viewers will, for example, use only their smartphones to create their own coral reef, discover the beauty of real corals, and learn more about the ecosystems that sustain them.
Science films as immersive experiences
“A scientific documentary is one of the most powerful ways to communicate a wide range of research and social topics. While it relies primarily on visuals and sound, what techniques can a film use to appeal to all our senses? How can it make us truly immerse ourselves and travel anywhere on — or even beyond — our planet?” asks Zdeněk Rychtera, the festival director and chief dramaturge.
According to him, the answers begin to surface the moment the cinema turns into a giant aquarium. “Together, we’ll strap on our oxygen tanks — and through our VR goggles, we’ll see that film and diving have much more in common than we ever thought.”
Accompanying program for the public
The festival will once again offer film workshops for students and the public, organized in cooperation with MyStreetFilms. For the first time in its history, the festival will feature an open-air screening: on the evening of Monday, 20 October, visitors in front of the CZU Auditorium can enjoy the action classic Mad Max: Fury Road, which demonstrates immersive storytelling even without VR technology.
Daniel Stach’s lecture in the CZU Auditorium will open a discussion on how science can be communicated through media — and how film can inspire and educate across generations. The unique atmosphere of the Prague Science Film Fest will once again be enhanced by the setting of the greenest university campus in the Czech Republic, located in Prague-Suchdol.
