Agnieszka Holland Honored with Artis Bohemiae Amicis Medal by Czech Ministry of Culture

Polish Director Agnieszka Holland Receives Prestigious Czech Cultural Award

Acclaimed Polish director Agnieszka Holland was presented with the Artis Bohemiae Amicis medal by the Czech Ministry of Culture on September 16, 2025, in Prague. The prestigious award, whose name translates to 'Friends of Czech Art,' recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting Czech culture both within the country and internationally. The medal was presented by Culture Minister Martin Baxa at a ceremony held in the Czech capital.

The Significance of the Artis Bohemiae Amicis Medal

The Artis Bohemiae Amicis medal is a departmental award established in 2000 by the Czech Ministry of Culture. It is bestowed upon significant individuals or legal entities who have systematically contributed to spreading the good name of Czech culture at home and abroad. The award acknowledges long-term and significant activities, whether through systematic artistic work, extraordinary artistic performance, sponsorship, or the promotion of cultural heritage, contemporary art, and art history. The visual design of the medal, in the form of a glass artifact shaped like a coat of arms, has been created by Eliška Monsportová since 2010.

Holland's Deep Connection to Czech Heritage

Agnieszka Holland's ties to the Czech Republic are profound and long-standing. She began her professional journey in 1966, studying directing at Prague's FAMU (Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts). During her time in Prague, she experienced pivotal historical moments, including August 1968 and the self-immolation of Jan Palach, and was even briefly imprisoned for her involvement in student activism during the period of normalization. Her formative years in Prague and subsequent collaborations with Czech filmmakers and institutions have fostered an enduring relationship with Czech culture.

Cinematic Contributions to Czech History and Culture

Throughout her career, Holland has consistently explored critical moments in Czech and European history through her films. Her notable works that highlight her connection to Czech culture include the 2013 HBO miniseries 'Burning Bush,' which depicted the aftermath of Jan Palach's protest against the Soviet occupation. This series earned her a Czech Lion Award for Best Director. In 2020, she directed the Czech feature film 'Charlatan,' which was shortlisted for the Oscars. Her latest project, 'Franz,' a film about the life of Franz Kafka, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and is scheduled to open in Prague cinemas on September 26. Minister Baxa praised Holland's work, stating, 'Her work carries not only extraordinary artistic value but also a deep humanist dimension. Through her films, she has long reminded us of the key events of Czech and European history and spread the good name of Czech culture at home and abroad.' Holland expressed her gratitude, remarking, 'I am thankful and happy for this honor. Czech culture has been close to me since my youth, and I feel like one of its patriots. I cheer for it and am delighted to witness its originality and courage.'