The Slovak Film and Television Academy (SFTA) announced on Thursday, April 9, in Bratislava, the winners of the national film award Sun in the Network for the year 2025. For the second year in a row, this extraordinary event was done without television cameras. TV STVR has once again decided not to include the gala evening in its broadcast. Viewers could still watch the live stream on YouTube.
The best film of 2025 was Otec, whose director Tereza Nvotová won the award for best direction. She used her acceptance speech to make a strong social appeal. “I would also like to say something so that they have a reason to ban us. I follow Hungary a lot now, and apart from the disgusting Orbán campaign I also see the incredible power of the alliance of forces fighting for democracy,” she said at the beginning of her speech.
She is convinced that the tense atmosphere in the cultural village is getting worse. “Next year, we also face a fight with those who let their opponents starve in a good way, and in a bad way they are threatened with prison. We too are sitting here today like students behind the door, because we have not been silent and we will not be silent.” she emphasized.
She ended her public statement with a call for unity and a reminder of tragic events from the past. “From this place, I would like to appeal that the strength lies in the fact that we really unite and do not wage stupid wars. Against us stands the evil that killed Ján and Martina (Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová), an evil that drives all capable people out of here, an evil that saps even the smallest spring of freedom. Let’s not let evil win. Let’s be together the best we know how,” she concluded.
Dorota Nvotová reacts to her sister’s speech
Her sister, musician and politician Dorota Nvotová, immediately reacted to her speech, who publicly praised it. “She became a sister. And of course we both went crazy, and each of us separately also sweated – this month Tereza received an award for film and I for music. Yes, genes are a powerful thingbut the upbringing of parents and the influence of the environment and society is even greater. What will become of our children and the next generation is baked by us, here and now. If we are cowards, they will be invisible.” she said on Instagram on Thursday.
She also drew attention to the move of the television market towards Slovak cinematography. “Slovak television showed today that they are cowards. The one that calls itself public law is being investigated by the European Commission because it behaves rather illegally. And the commercial ones are filthy. Both TV Markíza and TV JOJ refused to broadcast the Sun on the network, even for FREE!” she did not spare criticism.
According to the musician, the absence of transmission in prime time is a clear signal about the state of society. “However, democracy, freedom and the rule of law are not free. They must be won and then maintained. Such cowardice will not succeed. Shame on you, TV. And kudos to the filmmakers for the beautiful films that were awarded today and the strong words that were spoken… at least online.” she added disappointedly.
