Brno/Prague, 18 August 2025

What comes first: an agreement, or further delays? Nature won’t wait. Can we reach a deal in time? The planet will survive – but what about future generations? What kind of world will they inherit?

The 51st EKOFILM International Film Festival (16–19 October 2025, Brno) asks a simple yet urgent question: what are we willing to do today to ensure our children and grandchildren can live “dýl” – longer? This year’s theme, Deal? Dýl?, is a wordplay linking the English deal with the Czech dýl (longer), inviting a commitment that begins with each of us.

“EKOFILM celebrated a successful 50th edition, and the Ministry of the Environment is committed to opening the festival to a broader audience beyond ecological circles. This is evident in the record number of submitted films – 242 entries from 48 countries – reflecting both growing interest and relevance. The festival is vital for raising awareness, stimulating societal debate, and connecting communities. I see this year’s theme as a call for responsibility – not as a gesture, but as a daily choice. It raises critical questions: not just how long our planet can endure, but what we are all willing to do to extend that endurance – to live ‘dýl.’ Once again, EKOFILM provides space for inspiration, dialogue, and sharing practical solutions that make a difference. A deal with nature is a true commitment,” says Petr Hladík, Minister of the Environment, whose ministry organizes the festival.

The festival will, as always, feature a curated selection of top-tier documentaries from around the world, engaging encounters with filmmakers and experts, and a rich accompanying program.

“EKOFILM has a unique tradition. For over half a century, it has shown that nature is not just a backdrop – it is an environment of which we are an integral part. I believe this year’s edition will deliver not only striking visual experiences but also new impulses on how to actively contribute to change,” adds Ladislav Miko, Festival President.

Three Competition Sections, One Shared Theme

The festival competition features three film categories, each with its distinct voice, yet all linked by the theme of humanity’s relationship with the planet:

• Anthropocene – Feature-length documentaries exploring the impacts of human activity on Earth and ourselves. Powerful stories about the world we inherited and the legacy we leave behind.
• On the Verge of Change – Medium-length films and documentary series balancing between format and idea. They propose potential solutions and inspire essential steps toward a sustainable future.
• Short and Green – Short films up to 20 minutes, playful in form and theme. Proof that even limited screen time can carry big ideas.

“This year’s selection was a challenge – and a delight – thanks to the record number of high-quality submissions from around the world. In the feature-length competition, audiences can look forward to titles previously screened at prestigious festivals, which compellingly and clearly illustrate humanity’s role in planetary change,” explains Kristýna Genttnerová, Chief Curator.

New Visual Identity

The festival’s visual identity again emerged from an open art competition. Out of thirteen proposals, the jury selected the concept by Feruz Makhmudov, a Prague-based graphic designer and visual artist. His design interprets the theme Deal? Dýl? through contrasts: agreement versus time, city versus nature. The vertical rhythm of the letters evokes both forest and urban skyline, while the color palette draws from natural elements. Subtle glitch effects suggest movement and the possibility of choice.

“I wanted to create a design that invites rather than imposes. It appeals through harmony rather than alarm,” says Makhmudov. “This year’s message deeply resonated with me: if we don’t strike a deal with nature, we won’t have the chance to live ‘dýl.’”

EKOFILM Comes Alive Beyond the Cinemas

Alongside screenings, EKOFILM offers a rich side program – Family Day at Brno Zoo, themed discussions, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. The festival continues to expand, attracting new generations of viewers, and part of the program will also take place in Prague. In Brno, the main festival hub remains Cinema City Velký Špalíček, with additional events at Mendel University, Brno Zoo, and other city venues.

The full program will be published in September on www.ekofilm.cz.

Festival website: www.ekofilm.cz

Download Materials: EKOFILM 2025 Visual Identity| EKOFILM 2025 Photo Gallery

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Media Contact: Jana Kozojedová, PR & Communication, +420 737 816 835, jana@ekofilm.cz