Film Meets Journalism 2025 DETAILED PROGRAM 2025 CATALOGUE

                                                            Press Play  Prague:
                                                               An International Film Festival
                                                            About Journalism
                                                            October 7-11, 2025
2025 Program + Tickets  (prices  from 79 to 199 CZK)
Press Play PraguE

AWARDS 2025
theme and programming

Journalism Under Pressure

In an era of deepening polarization and rampant propaganda, the role of journalists as truth-seekers and democracy’s gatekeepers has never been more vital — or more vulnerable. This year’s festival explores the complicated interplay between media and power, examining how journalists confront ethical dilemmas and uphold their integrity amid relentless pressure from corporations, oligarchs, governments, and other powerful forces. 

Through a curated selection of documentaries and feature films, Press Play Prague will bring to light stories of courage, corruption, and compromise, offering audiences a front-row seat to the moral conflicts and personal sacrifices that define the profession. These films expose the harsh realities of censorship, self-censorship, misinformation, and the daily struggle to maintain an independent voice in the face of mounting external threats, serving as both a tribute to those who risk everything in pursuit of truth and a sobering reminder of what is at stake.

Non-Competitive Program

Press Play Prague will select a range of fictional marquee films that shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and ethical dilemmas that shape the journalism profession. Films will be chosen based on thematic relevance and artistic merit, and showcase the power of storytelling to deepen our awareness and understanding of vital societal issues, including journalism’s role in the world.
Vision and Values

Curated Narratives

The Curated Narratives lineup is meticulously designed by festival organizers, so there is no call for submissions. We endeavor to ensure that filmmakers, actors, and/or journalists with a direct connection to the theme or story in at least one film in the Curated Narratives section participate in the festival.

Uncharted Frames  

Press Play Prague will present a diverse collection of visual works – from captivating documentaries that would not qualify for the competitive sections to innovative online video projects – related to journalism.

Competitive Program

There are two competition categories: feature-length films and shorts.

The competitive section of the festival will focus on compelling non-fiction films – both feature-length films and shorts – aligned with the festival’s theme.

*Submissions for 2025 are now closed*

Press Play DOCS Competition

We seek full-length non-fiction films (documentaries) that fit the festival’s theme.  

Eligibility: The competition is open to films that were produced after January 1, 2022.

Theme:  The film must focus significantly on a journalist, or it must explore or expose an important issue or challenge affecting the news profession.

Length : Films must have a runtime of 60 minutes or more.

Press Play SHORTS Competition

We seek short non-fiction films (documentaries) that fit the festival’s theme.  

Eligibility: The film competition is open to films that were produced after January 1, 2022.

Theme:  The film must focus significantly on a journalist, or it must explore or expose an important issue or challenge affecting the news profession.

Length: Films must have a runtime of 27 minutes or less.
Submit your film
Press Play Prague

Rules and Selection

Submissions

Filmmakers should submit their films through FilmFreeWay, in a format compatible with the competition’s screening requirements. Submissions must be original works, and the filmmaker/producer should own all necessary rights to the content. The screening at Press Play Prague must be the first screening for a Czech audience. There are several deadlines, the final one is June 30, 2025.

Language

All submissions must include closed captions, plus a captions list. Foreign-language films must also include English-language subtitles.

Rights and Permissions

By submitting their film to the competition, filmmakers grant the organizers the right to screen their film up to four times during the event and to use excerpts or promotional materials for marketing purposes. Submission of a film constitutes agreement by filmmakers to abide by all the rules and regulations set forth by the competition’s organizers.

Selection

A panel of program advisers will evaluate the submissions based on criteria such as thematic relevance, originality and overall artistic merit.

Awards and Prizes

Winners will be selected by the festival jury, and announced at the conclusion of the event.
Press Play Prague

Partners

Festival and Media Partners