The 27th edition of the One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival concluded on March 20 with a packed closing ceremony at Prague’s historic Cinema Lucerna, where this year’s top honours were awarded. The evening was briefly interrupted by a reported bomb threat, prompting a short-term evacuation. Authorities later confirmed it was a false alarm.

Despite the disruption, the festival closed on a high note after welcoming more than 22,000 attendees during its Prague run. Screenings and debates will continue across the Czech Republic in 57 cities through April 27, as well as during the Prague Echoes follow-up program.

The International Jury awarded Best Film to Songs of Slow Burning Earth by Ukrainian filmmaker Olha Zhurba, praised for its deeply human portrayal of life amid war. Best Director went to Elizabeth Lo for Mistress Dispeller, an intimate exploration of infidelity and social mores in contemporary China.

The Václav Havel Jury honored The Brink of Dreams, a film about Egyptian girls challenging gender roles through theatre. The Czech Competition Jury awarded The Other One by Marie-Magdalena Kochová, focusing on the overlooked emotional lives of siblings of children with disabilities.

Other awards included RAPTURE II – Portal (Best Immersive Film), Democracy Noir (Regional Jury Award), Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Student Jury Award), With Grace (Children’s Jury Award), and Writing Hawa (Audience Award). The Abakus Foundation honored a post-screening debate of Zurawski v Texas for its exceptional civic engagement.

Select films will be available online in May through the One World Online platform. More details can be found at www.oneworld.cz.