The Golden Slipper is already gracing the Congress Center plaza. The festival ride is ready to begin!
27. May 2026
The symbol of the Zlín Film Festival, a five-meter-tall golden slipper, is already standing in front of the Congress Centre. The countdown is in its final hours! Just one day before the launch of the 66th edition, the first guests are arriving in Zlín. This year, delegations representing 76 films from all over the world—including Egypt, India, the USA, Thailand, as well as Australia and Colombia—are heading to the festival of films for children and youth.
As a result, a large number of child actors will be arriving in Zlín, which, according to Artistic Director Markéta Pášmová, makes the Zlín Film Festival truly unique. Among those appearing will be young Romanian actor Matei Calin Donciu with the film My Cosmic Atlas, and Danish actress Ellen Edith Pultz-Hansen, who plays the lead role in the film Mira.
As part of the industry program, the Moravian region will welcome director, animator, and a key figure in contemporary European animation, Tomm Moore. In connection with the screening of the Irish musical road movie TRAD, director Lance Daly and actor Aidan Gillen—best known for his role as Littlefinger in the cult series Game of Thrones—will also visit.
Aidan Gillen plays one of the key and highly distinctive supporting roles in TRAD. He portrays a character named Harky—an eccentric, extravagantly popular leader of the aforementioned traveling band. Instead of his usual cold-blooded schemers (like Littlefinger) or tough gangsters, he thoroughly enjoyed playing a quirky, bohemian musical mentor with immense charisma,
emphasized Markéta Pášmová.
The festival will once again take over the entire city this year. The 66th edition brings a number of new features, including a special screening for the general public. Over 300 films from a record-breaking 57 countries will grace the screens. Organizers and other guests detailed this rich lineup to journalists today during the opening press conference.
The Zlín Film Festival officially kicks off on Thursday, May 28, at 10:00 AM with the world premiere of the Czech family fantasy film Mom and Dad Are Godly. During the morning opening ceremony, the Golden Slipper Award will be presented by the festival president to Hurvínek, who is celebrating his 100th birthday this year.
Do you already know what you'll be checking out this year? The Zlín Film Festival offers an abundance of experiences for all generations. Take a look at the film and supporting program—a new feature this year is the ZLINFEST zone in Svoboda Park. Enjoy a week full of fun together with us!