2025, Czech Republic – Poland – Germany – France – Turkey, 127 min., Feature, Biography, Drama
Agnieszka Holland
Marek Epstein, Agnieszka Holland
Tomasz Naumiuk
Idan Weiss, Jenovéfa Boková, Peter Kurth, Sebastian Schwarz, Ivan Trojan
Šárka Cimbalová (Marlene Film Production)
“Franz” is a captivating story inspired by the life and imagination of Franz Kafka – the writer who became a mirror to our deepest fears. Agnieszka Holland assembles a striking portrait through memories, dreams, and letters, tracing Kafka’s journey from his childhood in Prague to his death after World War I. An introvert and clerk trapped in a personal nightmare, he is torn between an authoritarian father, his loyal friendship with Max Brod, and complex love affairs. Filled with fantasy, humor, and pain, the film is an exciting and often ironic tale of a man who, in his pursuit of an “ordinary” life, managed to create some of the most extraordinary works in world literature.
Agnieszka Holland
Agnieszka Holland (born 1948) is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary world cinema. Her career began as an assistant to Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Zanussi, and films such as “Europa Europa” “In Darkness” and “Green Border” have earned her Oscar nominations and awards from Berlin, Venice, and Cannes. Her work is characterized by a deep interest in history, politics, and the moral dilemmas of the individual. With “Franz,” she returns to a long-standing passion to tell Kafka’s story with audacity and visual richness.
FILMOGRAPHY
2025 – Franz
2023 – Green Border
2020 – Charlatan
2019 – Mr. Jones
2017 – Spoor
2011 – In Darkness
1993 – The Secret Garden
1990 – Europa Europa
FESTIVALS, AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS
2026 – Karl IV Lifetime Achievement Award – Agnieszka Holland (Prague)
2026 – Czech Lion Nominations – 15 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director
2025 – Silver Lion Award – Gdynia Polish Film Festival (Best Film)
2025 – Best Actor Award (Idan Weiss) – Gdynia Polish Film Festival
2025 – Best Cinematography Award (Tomasz Naumiuk) – Camerimage & Gdynia
2025 – European Film Award (EFA) Nominations – Best Actor (Idan Weiss), Costume Design, Hair & Makeup
2025 – Official Selection – Toronto (TIFF) & San Sebastián International Film Festivals
2025 – Poland’s Official Oscar Submission – Best International Feature Film