This year’s edition of the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival presented 305 films, 139 Q&A sessions, and 43 Inspiration Forum discussions. A total of 110,000 viewers watched Ji.hlava films — more than 52,000 in cinemas, and 58,000 online. The festival accredited a record 6,100 visitors. The Ji.hlava Online Audience Award went to the Czech director Nebe Motýlová for her short film tine film about rape. The 30th Ji.hlava IDFF will take place from October 23 to November 1, 2026.
This year, Ji.hlava ran for the second time in a ten-day format (October 24 –November 2, 2025). “The ten-day format proved to be the right step. We are very happy that audiences left Ji.hlava satisfied and continued watching Ji.hlava Online once they returned home. Total attendance reached around 110,000 people — roughly the same as last year — but attendance at physical screenings increased year-on-year. Ji.hlava once again became a space that brings people together across society. And I have the feeling that after the pandemic, these moments of togetherness are even more important. Documentary films help us understand the world we live in – and they also serve as a time capsule for future generations, who will understand our way of thinking and making decisions,” said festival director Marek Hovorka.
More than 6,100 people were accredited at this year’s Ji.hlava, including 1,535 film professionals. Live festival attendance exceeded 52,000, while Ji.hlava Online recorded 34,000 film views, which represents 58,000 online viewers when using the 1.7 conversion coefficient used by American streaming services.
Of the 305 screened films, 76 premiered in world premieres, 28 in international premieres, and 15 in European premieres. Out of 3,756 submitted films, 114 were selected for competition.
Films competed in 8 sections, and screenings took place across 8 cinemas in Jihlava and Třešť. The programme included 139 Q&A sessions after screenings and 43 Inspiration Forum debates.
