The Slovak Film and Television Academy (SFTA) announced the winners of the national film award on Thursday, April 9 in Bratislava The sun in the network for the year 2025. One of the awardees was the musician Jonatán Pastirčákwho expressed himself in the interview to STVR’s decision not to include the gala evening in the broadcast, he also drew attention to government officials.
Pastirčák took home the Sun in the Network statuette for the best film score for the film Otec. This film also dominated the evening in the main category Film of the Year 2025, where director Tereza Nvotová received the award.
The artist did not forgive himself a critical remark about the fact that the ceremony did not get on TV screens again and viewers could watch it exclusively on YouTube. “I think it’s an extreme shame on the part of STVR,” said the husband of actress Tána Pauhof at the beginning.
Subsequently, he emphasized the international success of the film, which, according to him, is in sharp contrast with the approach of state institutions. “In my opinion, it’s a shame for all of Slovakia, especially when the film is really in good shape, when it’s shown all over the world. I think it makes a fantastic name for the country and this pettiness of those currently in power namely Minister Šimkovičová, just like Fico and everyone else, in my opinion, is childish and ridiculous,” expressed his opinion.
He appealed for the cohesion of the artistic community and the entire society, which he considers to be the key to change. “For me, it is very important that we stand together, that we are united. I think that this is the only way to change what we are currently living in and that they rule us people who are incompetent, incapable and behind the absolute disintegration of not only culture, but also the environment, the entire country,” remarked the holder of the Sun in the network.
He immediately directed sharp criticism at the specific actions of government representatives in the field of nature protection. “The fact that the biggest nationalists, i.e. they declare themselves to be nationalists, and they allow forests to be mined at an absolutely insane pace. Directors of national parks are absolutely incompetent people. They fly there by helicopter over protected areas,” he pointed out indignantly.
At the end of the interview, he reflected on the true meaning of patriotism, which, according to him, is being lost in contemporary politics. “I, if I were a nationalist, well… I feel like a person who really likes Slovakia in many ways. If I were in politics and I saw this happening, I can’t imagine that I would be okay with it, but they are okay with it. Just as they use the forests for their own benefit, they also use everything else. They just want to steal as much as they can while they’re still there.” he added.
