The anniversary 20th edition of the Jihlava IDFF will kick off tomorrow at 8 PM with the premiere of Helena’s Law by Czech documentary maker and actress Petra Nesvačilová. Her feature-length debut provides a deep but sensitive look at the life of accused and sentenced gangsters of the ill-famed Berdych gang. The six following festival days will offer 310 documentary titles, dozens of events organised as part of the Industry Programme and many diverse accompanying events.
The Lighthouse will guide your steps through Jihlava
A new industry zone – Lighthouse – has been erected on Jihlava’s Masaryk Square. Its structure consists of glass City modules supplied by KOMA Modular which made its mark last year with the construction of the Czech Expo pavilion in Milan in Italy. The Lighthouse houses an exhibition organised on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the festival and it will serve as a meeting point for hundreds of film professionals visiting Jihlava. For a comprehensive list of our industry guests check out our online Industry Guide. The Lighthouse will also feature Café Fond brought to you by the Czech Film Fund.
Jihlava IDFF’s Industry Programme brimming with events for film professionals
In addition to the festival’s traditional events and projects – the Emerging Producers, Inspiration Forum, Conference Fascinations and Festival Identity – this year’s Industry Programme will newly feature a host of discussions, case studies and presentations in our specially-designed Lighthouse. In conjunction with the Czech Film Centre, Czech filmmakers will introduce their latest films shortlisted for the Czech Joy competition, and this year’s Visegrad Accelerator will bring together representatives of national film institutes and film critics from the region of Central Europe. Download the complete Industry Programme here.
The Inspiration Forum to host Chinese journalist and Russian playwright
The previously announced Inspiration Forum’s guest, American psychologist Philip Zimbardo, will be joined by other two lecturers. Chang Ping is a Chinese journalist living in German exile. In his country, Ping has been repeatedly persecuted for delving in burning social and political issues such as the feminist movement, Chinese politics and the situation in Tibet. The third guest will be Russian playwright Mikhail Durnenkov, one of the founders of the influential Togliatti New Drama School in Russia. You can read more information about the unique Inspiration Forum here.
Jihlava is more than just a film festival
In addition to our showcase of high-quality films, the festival visitors can look forward to a wealth of accompanying events. In the Game Zone, you will experience interactive documentary films or web-docs and educational documentary computer games. Jihlava will host cabaret and theatre shows, carefully selected music programme performed in clubs and churches, author readings, radio documentaries and exhibitions. For more information regarding the accompanying programme click here.
KineDok presents the successful film, Domino Effect
International project KineDok organizes screenings of outstanding documentaries and debates with guests at unconventional venues. Come and experience the atmosphere in Jihlava, at 6 PM on October 26, when the beautiful Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross will turn into a cinema. Drop by to see the multi-award-winning film Domino Effect taking place in the war-devastated Abkhazia, and discuss it over a drink with Milan Štefanec, an expert on the region. Free entry, English friendly.
The Jihlava Manifesto (1996-2017) for free at DAFilms.com
From October 24 to November 6, your online documentary cinema DAFilms.com presents a selection of film essays screened at the Jihlava IDFF. These include films straddling documentary and experimental film, containing elements of animation and special flavours ranging from western through human rights and philosophy to art. Don’t miss the greatest festival gems of the past twenty years online!
