AGP Executive Report

Documentary Film: James Longley’s “Mohabat” won the Opus Bonum award at the Ji.hlava festival. The jury praised its carefully crafted portrait of a boy and his family after his father is killed in a drone strike. Prague Festivals: Polish cinema and culture arrive in Prague from November 9 to 15, with 13 films, theatre, music, exhibitions and family events at the 3Kino festival. Archaeology: A Czech team from Charles University helped rediscover Old Kingdom tombs at Saqqara, including a burial chamber and the offering chapel of an official’s wife. The work highlights decades of Czech-Egyptian research cooperation. Cannafest: Prague’s international hemp fair returns to Letňany from November 6 to 8, bringing exhibitors, products and an expert conference. Education: Czech respondents topped a 27-country financial-literacy study, answering 90.9% of questions correctly.

Archaeology: A Czech Day of Egyptology in Cairo celebrated decades of cooperation between Czech and Egyptian researchers. Charles University’s Egyptology institute, founded in 1958–59, works at Abusir and supports training for students and inspectors. Film: Helena Třeštíková’s new time-lapse documentary follows singer Bára Basiková across 50 years, tracing her life and struggles. Prague events: Cannafest returns to Letňany from November 6–8, with international exhibitors, expert talks and products spanning hemp cultivation, cosmetics and food. Culture and public life: Thousands have protested in Prague against proposed public-media funding changes, while National Theatre actors have issued a strike alert over government steps. Honours: Vera Čáslavská and Miloš Forman received top state honours at Prague Castle; Roma rights advocate Elena Gorolová was also recognized for her work on behalf of women unlawfully sterilized.

Czech Documentary: Helena Třeštíková’s new film follows singer Bára Basiková across five decades, from her pre-1989 rock years to pop stardom. Třeštíková was also honored at the Ji.hlava documentary festival for her contribution to world cinema. Public Media: Thousands protested in Prague against the government’s public-broadcasting funding overhaul, warning it could threaten media independence. State Honors: President Petr Pavel recognized filmmaker Miloš Forman, gymnast Věra Čáslavská and Roma rights advocate Elena Gorolová, whose work highlights the struggle of women unlawfully sterilized in the Czech Republic. Performing Arts: National Theatre actors announced a strike alert over government steps affecting the institution. Prague Traditions: The city has chosen a 23-metre spruce from Northern Bohemia as its 2026 Christmas tree.

Prague Life: Lidl’s summer terrace at Výstaviště drew about 80,000 visitors in its first season, with the company hinting it may return. Culture Funding: Thousands protested in Prague against the government’s planned overhaul of public-media funding, warning it could threaten broadcasters’ independence. Festive Prague: The city has chosen a 23-metre spruce from Northern Bohemia as its 2026 Christmas tree; Holešovice Market will also host a Día de Muertos celebration in early November. Arts and Heritage: Prague’s Müller Villa has reopened after renovation, while Czech Egyptologists used satellite imagery and historic maps to uncover a long-buried tomb complex at Saqqara. Recognition: President Petr Pavel honoured gymnast Věra Čáslavská, filmmaker Miloš Forman and Roma rights campaigner Elena Gorolová, recognised for her fight for women unlawfully sterilized. City for a Cause: Prague’s Metronome lit up for charity, inviting donations of just 50 crowns.

Prague’s Changing Face: Karlin’s café-and-office boom has pushed out many longtime residents, including Roma families, after the 2002 floods accelerated redevelopment. Music: Shoegaze band DIIV’s 2027 world tour will include a Prague stop. Czech Honours: Věra Čáslavská, Miloš Forman and Roma rights advocate Elena Gorolová have been recognised with top state honours. Winter in Prague: The city has chosen a 23-metre Christmas tree from Northern Bohemia; meanwhile, its Metronome is lighting up for a charity drive, with donations starting at 50 crowns. Arts and Heritage: Prague’s Müller Villa has reopened after renovation. Public Media: Thousands have protested the government’s proposed overhaul of public broadcaster funding, raising concerns about media independence.

Prague Giving: The Letná Metronome can now light up for a minute in return for a donation of at least CZK 50 to one of six charities. Czech Music: Dark folk project NEMUER draws on ancient Mesopotamian incantations for its new EP, due Nov. 20, and will celebrate its release in Prague. State Honours: President Petr Pavel awarded the Order of the White Lion to gymnast Věra Čáslavská and director Miloš Forman, posthumously, and to actress Iva Janžurová and scientist Helena Illnerová. Prague Culture: Holešovice Market hosts its Día de Muertos festival on Nov. 5, with Mexican food, music, workshops and a traditional altar. Media Independence: Thousands have protested the government’s proposed overhaul of public media funding, warning it could undermine broadcasters’ independence. Human Rights: A Council of Europe report finds antisemitism in Czechia has surged since 2020, particularly after the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023.

Culture for a Cause: Prague’s Letná Metronome now lets visitors donate from 50 CZK to one of six charities in exchange for a minute of illumination. Festive Prague: A 23-metre spruce from Northern Bohemia will stand in Old Town Square for the Christmas markets. Human Rights: A Council of Europe report says antisemitism in Czechia has surged more than 400% since 2020, with hostility toward Jewish people and Ukrainians rising sharply. Global Traditions: Holešovice Market hosts its Día de Muertos celebration on November 5, with Mexican food, music, workshops and a traditional altar. Czech Heritage: October 28 marks the 1918 founding of Czechoslovakia and remains a key date in Czech history. City Life: Prague’s Japanese dining scene is growing, with new tonkatsu restaurant Gonta following Takumi’s expansion. Public Media: Thousands have protested the government’s proposed overhaul of public broadcasting, warning it could threaten media independence.

National Holiday: Czechia marks October 28, the anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s founding in 1918 and a key date in the country’s history. Prague Festival: The first Great National Unity Festival in Europe comes to the Sapa Trade Centre on October 31–November 1, bringing Vietnamese communities from 29 countries together to celebrate the country’s regional and ethnic cultures. Books: Prague’s Pradmova festival will host a November 1 discussion of Chernobyl Generation, an anthology of writing by Belarusian and Ukrainian authors reflecting on the disaster and its legacy. Architecture: The Müller Villa has reopened after renovation, with visitors now able to see more of Adolf Loos’s landmark home, including rooms previously closed to the public. Czech Music: Piano maker Petrof is exploring cultural cooperation with Armenia, including possible exchanges and joint concerts. Public Media: Thousands have protested in Prague against government plans to overhaul public-broadcaster funding, warning the changes could threaten media independence.

Prague Heritage: The Müller Villa has reopened after an extensive renovation, with more rooms now open to visitors and free admission for children aged 15 and under. City Events: Prague’s Halloween lineup includes family activities, lantern parades and club nights. Public Media: Thousands protested in Prague against a government plan to replace licence-fee funding for Czech Television and Radio with state-budget funding. Arts & Community: A new exhibition in St Nicholas tower reveals a communist-era surveillance room once used to monitor Western diplomats; Prague will also host a Europe-wide Vietnamese community festival on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Culture Funding: The Culture Ministry has withdrawn support for November 17 commemorations, while public donations have reached CZK 8.5 million. Czechia has also pulled out of Eurovision 2027, citing spending cuts.

Halloween in Prague: The city’s 2026 lineup ranges from children’s pumpkin carving and lantern parades to a hard-techno rave at SaSaZu on October 27. Public Media: Thousands protested in Prague against the government’s plan to shift public broadcasters to state-budget funding, which critics say could weaken their independence; staff have announced a strike for November 3. Roma History: A new exhibition in Prague spotlights Czech and Slovak Roma who fought the Nazi occupation, bringing a long-overlooked part of wartime history to light. Vietnamese Community: Prague will host Europe’s first Great National Unity Day on October 31 and November 1, celebrating a decade of Vietnamese associations and culture across 23 countries. November 17: After the Culture Ministry withdrew funding for commemorations, public donations have reached CZK 8.5 million.

Public Media: Thousands rallied in Prague against the Babiš government’s plan to move public radio and TV funding into the state budget, with critics warning it could weaken media independence. The proposal would cut funding by about 15%; public media workers plan to strike on November 3. Roma History: A new exhibition at Prague’s Museum of the Romani National Revival highlights Czech and Slovak Roma who fought Nazi occupation as partisans and soldiers, bringing a little-known chapter of wartime history into view. Winter in Prague: Letná’s outdoor ice rink opens November 14, with free skating for Prague 7 children. Before opening, it will serve as a film set about Czechoslovak hockey champions later persecuted by the communist regime. November 17 Commemorations: After the Culture Ministry withdrew funding for anniversary events, public donations for the commemorations have reached CZK 8.5 million.

Public Media: Thousands rallied in Prague on Sunday against a fast-tracked plan to move Czech Television and Czech Radio funding into the state budget, with critics warning of a 15% cut and risks to independence. Roma History: A new Prague exhibition shines light on Czech and Slovak Roma who resisted Nazi occupation, challenging a history often told only through the persecution of Roma and Sinti. November 17: As the Culture Ministry withdraws funding for Velvet Revolution anniversary events, public donations for the commemorations have topped CZK 8.5 million. Community Culture: Prague hosts Europe’s first Vietnamese Great National Solidarity Festival on October 31 and November 1, celebrating the diaspora’s heritage and ties across the region.

Public Media: Thousands rallied in Prague against the Babiš government’s plan to move public broadcaster funding into the state budget. Critics fear political pressure and a 15% funding cut; lawmakers advanced the bill in a rushed overnight vote. Prague Food Scene: La Casa Azteca, founded by a Mexican chef and a Syrian engineer, is bringing Mexican dishes and cultural traditions to the city. Velvet Revolution Commemorations: A public fundraiser has raised CZK 8.5 million for November 17 events after the culture minister withdrew state support. Roma History: A Prague exhibition spotlights Czech and Slovak Roma who fought Nazi occupation, adding a long-overlooked story of resistance to the public record.

Public Media: The government’s plan to replace licence fees for Czech Television and Czech Radio with state funding cleared its first parliamentary hurdle after a contentious 4:36 a.m. vote. Critics warn the change could expose broadcasters to political pressure; protests are continuing in Prague. Roma History: A new exhibition in Prague honours Czech and Slovak Roma who fought Nazi occupation, highlighting a largely overlooked part of wartime history alongside the Roma Holocaust. Cultural Funding: The Culture Ministry has withdrawn support for November 17 celebrations, prompting public donations that have topped CZK 6.5 million. Czech Heritage Abroad: A Manchester Saturday school teaching Czech language, history and geography to about 70 children is seeking new premises after the primary school it uses was set to close. What’s On: Prague Sounds opens its 30th-anniversary festival in early November, while documentary festival Ji.hlava marks its own 30-year milestone.

Public Media: The Babiš government has advanced plans to replace Czech Television and Czech Radio licence fees with state funding after a rushed 4:36 a.m. vote. Critics warn the change could expose broadcasters to political pressure; protests in Prague included attempts to enter parliament, and a larger rally is planned for Sunday. Cultural Funding: The Culture Ministry has withdrawn funding for November 17 celebrations, adding to concerns over support for public commemorations. Festivals and Stage: Ji.hlava’s documentary festival marks its 30th anniversary, while Prague Sounds launches its 30th edition in early November; Ukrainian cabaret and censored theatre are also coming to Prague this autumn. Czech Heritage: A Czech Saturday school in Manchester, serving about 70 children, is searching for new premises after the primary school it uses was set to close.

Public Media: The Czech ruling coalition pushed a plan to replace household broadcasting fees with state-budget funding through its first parliamentary hurdle in a rushed overnight vote. Critics warn the change could expose Czech Television and Radio to political pressure; protesters gathered outside parliament, and police stopped several people trying to enter. Documentary Film: Ji.hlava’s 30th festival opened with more than 350 films, including 106 world premieres. Czech Heritage: A Saturday school in Manchester serving about 70 children fears losing its classrooms when the host primary school closes, threatening lessons in Czech language, history and culture. November 17: The Culture Ministry has withdrawn funding for celebrations marking the Velvet Revolution anniversary.