'Father' Takes Top Honor at Zurich Film Festival
The Slovak-Czech-Polish co-production 'Father', directed by Tereza Nvotová, has been honored with the Golden Eye for Best Film in the Feature Film Competition at the 21st Zurich Film Festival. The award was announced on October 4, 2025, at the festival's closing gala. The film, which is Slovakia's official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, was praised by the international jury for its profound emotional depth and compelling narrative.
A Powerful and Emotionally Charged Narrative
'Father' (Slovak: 'Otec') delves into the harrowing experience of a man grappling with 'forgotten baby syndrome,' a tragic event where he unintentionally leaves his infant daughter in a car on a hot day. The drama, inspired by true events, meticulously portrays the subsequent collapse of his life, his struggle with guilt, and his efforts to regain his wife's trust and salvage their relationship.
The international jury, presided over by director Reinaldo Marcus Green and including members such as actress Leonie Benesch, lauded the film's ability to explore complex human emotions. Their statement highlighted the film's 'craft and humanity,' noting that the central character is 'neither a villain nor a hero, but a flawed human being caught in a single, devastating mistake.' They added that the film 'shows how that mistake can shatter what we love most, and yet it is, at its heart, about compassion, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.'
Director's Vision and Festival Recognition
Zurich Festival Director Christian Jungen described 'Father' as a 'captivating thriller which takes us on a roller-coaster,' emphasizing that 'Film is the medium of empathy and this film shapes our understanding of a man who did a terrible mistake, but is not evil.'
The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, before being selected as Slovakia's Oscar entry. Director Tereza Nvotová, a graduate of Prague's FAMU, is known for her previous award-winning works, including 'Nightsiren' (2022) and 'Filthy' (2017).
Highlights of the 21st Zurich Film Festival
The 21st Zurich Film Festival, which ran from September 25 to October 5, 2025, showcased 114 films and featured numerous premieres. In addition to 'Father's' win, the festival also awarded the Golden Eye for Best Documentary to Moris Freiburghaus's 'I Love You, I Leave You,' which also secured the Audience Award. Career honors were presented to notable figures such as Dakota Johnson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, and Wagner Moura, while Russell Crowe received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Colin Farrell the Golden Icon Award.
8 Comments
Muchacho
So glad they're recognizing films that tackle tough, real-life issues. Bravo!
Bella Ciao
I can't imagine watching a film about that. Too sensitive, too painful.
Muchacha
While the film's win is great for Slovak cinema, the subject matter is incredibly difficult. I hope it handles such a sensitive topic with the respect it deserves.
Mariposa
There must have been better films. This topic is just too dark for me.
Muchacha
The jury's praise for portraying a flawed human is valid, but the premise of forgotten baby syndrome could easily be misconstrued or cause immense distress. It walks a very fine line.
eliphas
Another depressing film getting awards. Can't we celebrate something uplifting?
paracelsus
Absolutely deserved! This film sounds incredibly powerful and important.
anubis
Recognizing a film that explores profound guilt and resilience is important, yet one has to question if audiences are truly ready for such a harrowing experience. It's a brave choice by the jury.