Only Beautiful Things to Look At
2026 Czech drama film
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Only Beautiful Things to Look At (Czech: Prameň) is a 2026 drama film co-written and directed by Ivan Ostrochovský.[2] Starring Anna Geislerová, the film's plot is inspired by real events related to the reproductive policy of communist Czechoslovakia. The forced sterilization of Romani women, carried out without their informed consent, constituted a gross violation of human rights.[3]
- Ivan Ostrochovský
- Marek Leščák
- Ivan Ostrochovský
- Albert Malinovský
- Katarína Tomková
| Only Beautiful Things to Look At | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Czech | Prameň |
| Directed by | Ivan Ostrochovský |
| Screenplay by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Juraj Chlpík |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Michal Novinski |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Aerofilms |
Release dates |
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Running time | 88 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | Czech |
| Box office | US$89,908[1] |
The film, a co-production between Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary premiered at 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 5 July 2026, where it was nominated for the Crystal Globe and won the FIPRESCI Award.[4][5]
Synopsis
In the 1980s, Ingrid, an accomplished doctor trapped in a stagnant life, routinely performs reproductive procedures—including involuntary sterilizations of Romani women—without reflecting on their consequences. Her friendship with Agáta, a younger colleague prompts her to reconsider the system she has long accepted. The film examines a fraught period in Czechoslovakia when state policy shaped citizens’ reproductive rights.
Cast
- Anna Geislerová as Ingrid
- Simona Boledovičová as Agáta
- Eva Mores
- Vlad Ivanov
- Éva Bandor
- Attila Mokos
Production
In February 2022, the producers presented the project at the Berlinale Co-Production Market seeking additional co‑producers, financing partners, international sales representation, and both television and pre‑sales collaborators.[6]
Release
Only Beautiful Things to Look At had its world premiere at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 5 July 2026 in Crystal Globe Competition.[7]
The film was theatrically released in Czech Republic on 16 July 2026 by Aerofilms.[8]
The film was released in Slovakian theatres on 30 July 2025.
It will be in European Competition at the Arras Film Festival in the fortnight of November 2026.[9][10]
Reception
Critical response
Reviewing for Cineuropa, Olivia Popp wrote that the film opens with dark, natural imagery and a droning, eerie score. These elements don’t fully become metaphors, but they give the story a distinctive, unsettling mood. Popp observed that the narrative shows Ingrid struggling with a power imbalance she cannot fully see. Popp concluded that Her late realisation of her role in harmful medical practices may feel unearned, but her eventual act of resistance brings a gentle emotional payoff, which is "warm and welcome."[11]
Box office
The film was released in 86 theaters across the Czech Republic[12] and in Slovakia in 6 theaters[13] on 16 July and 30 July 2026 respectively. It opened with US$20,335 in Czech Republic.
As of 2 August 2026[update], it grossed a total of US$89,908 worldwide, including US$62,870 in the Czech Republic and US$27,038 in Slovakia.[14]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karlovy Vary International Film Festival | 11 July 2026 | Crystal Globe Grand Prix | Only Beautiful Things to Look At | Nominated | [15] |
| FIPRESCI Award | Won | [16] | |||