The Czech Film Critics Association announced that the best film of the year 2025 is the drama 'Maestro,' directed by Ondřej Provazník and produced by Jiří Konečný and Ivan Ostrochovský. The film focuses on the story of a teenage girl navigating her place in a prestigious girls' choir led by a revered male conductor, tackling themes of manipulation and the sexual abuse of minors. The critically acclaimed performance from 16-year-old lead actress Kateřina Falbrová has garnered her a special recognition from the critics, marking a significant achievement in her budding career.

Additionally, the Vietnamese-Czech film 'Summer School, 2001' won the award for best screenplay, showcasing the increasing presence and appreciation of culturally diverse narratives in the Czech film industry. Another highlight of the awards was Tereza Nvotová’s emotionally charged drama 'Father,' which also received accolades and featured a noteworthy performance by Slovak actor Milan Ondrík. Despite fierce competition, the voting process for the awards was intensely close, reflecting the vibrant and evolving landscape of cinema in the Czech Republic.

With multiple awards going to 'Maestro,' 'Father,' and 'Summer School, 2001,' this year's selection speaks volumes about the rich storytelling and diverse representation within Czech cinema. The filmmakers involved express their intent to honor the victims of manipulation and abuse through their art, aiming to shine a light on these critical societal issues and expand the reach of transformative stories in the film industry.