Slovak Oscar Hopeful "Father" Steals Spotlight at Zurich Film Festival

Slovak Oscar Contender 'Father' Wins Zurich Film Festival In a major coup for Slovak cinema, Tereza Nvotová's "Father" took home the Golden Eye award for best feature film at the 2023 Zurich Film Festival. The victory is a significant boost to the film's chances in the upcoming 2026 Oscar race. Nominated alongside other strong contenders, "Father" impressed the jury with its gripping narrative and outstanding performances. Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a decent man whose life spirals out of control after a temporary memory lapse leads to tragedy. Milan Ondrík shines in the title role, bringing depth and nuance to the character. "We are thrilled that 'Father' has received this recognition," said Nvotová in an interview with the festival organizers. "It's a testament to the hard work of our entire team, and we're grateful for the support of the Zurich Film Festival." Intramovies is handling international sales for the film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. The company's CEO, Alessandro Borrelli, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "We believe 'Father' has global appeal and will resonate with audiences worldwide. We're excited to see it reach a wider audience." The Zurich Film Festival also honored documentary filmmaker Moris Freiburghaus with the top prize in the documentary competition for "I Love You, I Leave You." The film explores themes of love, loss, and identity. Other notable mentions at the festival included Alice Douards' "Des preuves damour (Love Letters)" and Shih-Ching Tsou's "Left-Handed Girl." The win marks a significant milestone for Slovak cinema, which has been gaining recognition on the international stage in recent years. With its Oscar bid now strengthened, "Father" is set to be one of the most closely watched films in the 2026 Academy Awards. As the film industry looks ahead to next year's awards season, the Zurich Film Festival has cemented its reputation as a premier platform for discovering new talent and showcasing exceptional storytelling. Related Stories TV: Eric Dane Explains Why He Was Absent at Emmys Despite Planned 'Grey's Anatomy' Tribute Movies: Noah Baumbach on 'Jay Kelly,' Heartbreak, Joy and Rediscovering His Love for Making Movies: Zurich *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*