“Thank You for Being Here!” President Petr Pavel Visited the 66th Zlín Film Festival and Spoke with Children

When we are here while the festival is underway, it would be a sin not to take a look. We don't have as much time as we would like to attend everything, but we are absolutely delighted to see so many smiling faces here enjoying themselves,

the President said with a smile.

Camera flashes focused on the presidential couple on the red carpet outside the Congress Centre. A crowd of journalists as well as visitors to the 66th Zlín Film Festival were waiting, hoping for an autograph. A few lucky onlookers even managed to snap a photo with the President.

If I am not mistaken, this is the first visit by a President of the Republic to the festival, at least during my twelve-year tenure. It is certainly a significant milestone for us,

said Čestmír Vančura, the festival's president.

During our discussion with the President, we looked back at the festival's beginnings and its evolution over recent years. We talked about how we run the festival, what we build upon, and where we are heading,

added the man who accompanied the head of state.

Shortly afterwards, the delegation, accompanied by security, moved to the University Centre. There, Petr Pavel stopped by the virtual reality booth. The entire procession then made its way to Komenského Park, briefly halting traffic on Školní Street. Cheers could already be heard echoing from the park:

Thank you for being here, Mr. President!

The Czech Radio booth found itself swamped by the crowd. There, the presidential couple took a photo with children from the Tymy Centre in Kroměříž. They then moved to a Bedouin tent completely packed with children, who were invited to ask the married couple any question they liked. The majority of the queries were directed at the head of state.

Mr. President, what was your favourite TV show when you were a child?

a voice called out from the audience.

When I was little, Winnetou was incredibly popular. It’s not shown much these days, but movies about the Wild West and Native Americans were exceptionally popular back then. And then, of course, cartoons—Mickey Mouse and the old classics,

the President responded. And what about First Lady Eva Pavlová? “My favourite fairy tale is Three Wishes for Cinderella (Tři oříšky pro Popelku) and also Long Live the Ghosts! (Ať žijí duchové),” she smiled.

A further barrage of questions followed. The children were curious about all the places Petr Pavel had travelled to on his motorcycle.

I’ve ridden across the United States. I’ve ridden through the entirety of England, the Balkans, the Netherlands, Germany, France—essentially the whole of Europe.

Petr Pavel's favourite school subjects were PE and geography, while chemistry was not his friend. He noted that he wouldn't want to act in a movie, because everyone should do what they are good at, and he claims he cannot act. His favourite music? Rock. He dedicates his free time to his family, enjoys going for a motorcycle ride, or reading a book.

And what advice would he give to his younger self?

Don't be discouraged when things don't work out, because the path to any success is paved with plenty of failures. So, for a person to truly succeed at something, they have to take a few knocks along the way and must not let it get them down. Because if something comes too easily, it probably wasn't worth it,

the President added.

A question was also raised regarding a potential re-election bid. Petr Pavel confirmed that, should there be public interest, he intends to run in the next presidential election.

Mr. President, thank you!

a woman called out from the park as he walked back across the pedestrian crossing toward the Congress Centre.