27 August 2025
The 2025 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), running 17-26 September, has unveiled its latest selections, including two Czech films: Franz, a compelling story, inspired by the life, work, and imagination of Franz Kafka, directed by Oscar-nominated Agnieszka Holland, and Panic Button by emerging filmmaker Samara Sagynbaeva, a Kyrgyz-Czech human rights documentary, which discusses the value of public good, freedom and free speach in face of sacrifice of the private life of one family.
Following its selection at Toronto IFF and San Sebastian IFF, Franz has been included in the prestigious Icons section at Busan, which presents 33 films by contemporary masters of world cinema. Šárka Cimbalová and Agnieszka Holland of Marlene Film Production co-produced the film along with partners from Germany, Poland, and France. Films Boutique handles the world sales.
Panic Button, which will see its international premiere at Busan, has been chosen for the Wide Angle – Documentary Competition, a section dedicated to outstanding short films and documentaries that expand cinematic horizons through bold, distinctive perspectives. Produced by Samara Sagynbaeva for MediaHub, and co-produced by Veronika Janatková of Pandistan, and Czech Television, Panic Button marks the feature documentary debut for Sagynbaeva. Split Screen handles the sales.
Both films were supported by the Czech Audiovisual Fund.
