Helena Bezděk Fraňková, the former long-time director of the State Fund for Cinematography and the State Fund for Audiovisual Arts, is set to be honored with a Czech Lion award for her extraordinary contributions to Czech cinematography. The decision, made by the presidium of the Czech Film and Television Academy (ČFTA), highlights Bezděk Fraňková as one of the most influential women in the Czech film industry. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at the Prague Congress Centre.

Bezděk Fraňková, a leading expert in film policy, public funding, and international audiovisual matters, was pivotal in the establishment of the State Fund for Cinematography in 2013 and led the organization until it transformed into the State Fund for Audiovisual Arts in 2025 to adapt to new technologies and cultural challenges. Her tenure has been marked by significant developments in the Czech film sector, enhancing the nation's support for audiovisual creation and industry.

The presidium noted that thanks to Helena Bezděk Fraňková, the Czech Republic has become one of the countries with a developed and functional support system for audiovisual creation and industry. Her contributions to the evolution of film policy in the country underscore the importance of female leadership in such key cultural sectors, making this recognition particularly significant for the advancement of women in the arts.