Waves tells the story of a radio station employee in Czechoslovakia navigating the tensions between loyalty to an authoritarian regime and familial bonds to his revolutionary brother. The film's strong narrative and Mádl's thoughtful direction have earned it a place among 15 international films advancing in the Best International Feature Film category. Other films on the shortlist include: Emilia Pérez (France), a musical about a transgender cartel leader, The Girl with the Needle (Denmark), a historical psychological horror about manipulation and motherhood, or The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Iran), offering a look at the political unrest through one middle-class Iranian family. While the competition is intense, the inclusion of Waves reflects its resonance beyond national borders.

The film is a co-production between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Monika Kristlová of the Czech production outfit Dawson Films is the main producer and the co-producers include Slovak Wandal Production and Czech Television. The film premiered at the 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) as a part of the Special Screenings section, where it garnered the Právo Audience Award and also the Blue Cube Award awarded by the energy company innogy.

In the short film category, The Compatriot, directed by Pavel Sýkora and Viktor Horák and produced by The Film Academy of Miroslav Ondříček in Písek, has also gained international attention. The film became eligible for Oscar consideration after winning the Student Academy Award earlier this year (more HERE), a significant milestone that recognizes the work of emerging filmmakers. Addressing themes of identity and moral choice within a politically charged narrative, "The Compatriot" showcases the strength of its storytelling and direction, cementing its place among the most notable short films of the year.

Czech Cinema’s Legacy at the Oscars

Czechoslovakia, and later the Czech Republic, has seen multiple nominations and wins in the Best International Feature Film category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film). The most prominent victories include The Shop on Main Street (1965) by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos, which was the first Czechoslovak film to win an Academy Award, and Closely Watched Trains (1967) by Jiří Menzel. More recently, Jan Svěrák's Kolya (1996) brought home the Oscar, becoming a landmark success for the newly independent Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic's presence in other categories has been less frequent but no less noteworthy. Works like Miloš Forman's Amadeus (1984), though an American production, showcased the brilliance of a Czech-born filmmaker and earned widespread acclaim with multiple Oscars.

The last Czech feature film to be shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film Oscar was Charlatan in 2021, directed by Agnieszka Holland.

Broader Implications

These nominations mark a noteworthy moment for Czech cinema, illustrating its ability to engage with universal themes while retaining cultural specificity. The Academy’s recognition of both a feature film and a short film from the Czech Republic suggests an encouraging trajectory for its filmmakers, whose work continues to gain traction in an increasingly competitive field. The final nominations for the Oscars will be announced soon, and while the outcomes remain uncertain, these shortlists offer a platform to amplify Czech voices in global cinema.