Czech-Slovak Documentary Wins Top Prize at Karlovy Vary Festival

The 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival concluded with the Crystal Globe awarded to Miro Remo's hybrid documentary Better Go Mad in the Wild, which explores the unique lives of twin brothers living in rural isolation in the Šumava wilderness. The film, praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and inventive storytelling, won a $25,000 prize and was described by the jury as a celebration of freedom and being true to oneself. Iranian filmmaker Soheil Beiraghi's Bidad received the Special Jury Prize for its bold, genre-blending narrative about a young singer defying repression in Tehran, highlighting the courage behind its creation. Best Director honors were shared between Vytautas Katkus for The Visitor and Nathan Ambrosioni for Out of Love, while acting awards went to Pia Tjelta and Àlex Brendemühl. Stellan Skarsgård was also recognized with an honorary Crystal Globe for his outstanding contribution to world cinema. The festival showcased a broad range of films that combined artistic innovation with powerful social and personal themes.