The Zurich Film Festival has announced its 2025 winners, with the top prize — the Golden Eye for Best Feature Film — going to Father, a powerful Slovak drama directed by Tereza Nvotová. The emotionally resonant film is also Slovakia’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
Premiering earlier this year at the Venice Film Festival, Father is based on a true story and centers on a harrowing personal journey. Milan Ondrík stars in the lead role as a devoted father whose life takes a tragic turn after a momentary lapse in memory results in devastating consequences. As the character struggles to come to terms with the aftermath, the film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the fragility of human stability.
Nvotová’s direction has been widely praised for its emotional depth and sharp storytelling, while Ondrík’s performance has earned acclaim for its subtle power and authenticity. The film delivers a sobering reflection on how a single moment can unravel a life, examining the human cost of legal and societal judgments. Intramovies is handling international sales for the film, which is now gaining momentum as an Oscar contender.
Alongside Father, the Zurich-based director Moris Freiburghaus won the Golden Eye for Best Documentary for I Love You, I Leave You. The documentary competition highlighted personal narratives and global issues, but Freiburghaus’ work stood out for its intimate portrayal of love, loss, and the emotional complexity of relationships.
The Zurich Film Festival continues to be a significant platform for international cinema, providing a spotlight for emerging voices and thought-provoking storytelling. With its win in Zurich, Father solidifies its place as one of this year’s standout films on the festival circuit and strengthens its position ahead of the awards season.
Tereza Nvotová, who previously directed Filthy and is known for her unflinching approach to psychological drama, delivers what many are calling her most mature and emotionally complex work yet. As the Oscar race begins to take shape, Father has positioned itself as a serious contender, thanks to its universal themes and powerful execution.
With awards season heating up, all eyes will be on how Father continues to resonate with international audiences and Academy voters alike.
