We are pleased to announce the winners of the 58th Golden Prague International Television Festival. Congratulations!
GRAND PRIX
ROMEO & JULIET
Production: National Theatre in association with Sabel Productions/Cuba Pictures for Sky Arts
The jury voted Romeo and Juliet for its main prize because it represents Shakespeare’s drama in play for today version which was both powerful, dramatic and intense with superb acting and refreshing modern day costumes. Impressive was its diction which brought the part of Shakespeare’s original version in very natural and comprehensible way. Most remarkable was director’s use of hand held cameras – giving powerful, dramatic close-ups of sheering beauty. Brilliant acting and brilliant direction.
CZECH CRYSTAL – DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMMES DEDICATED TO MUSIC, DANCE AND THEATRE
AGONIA
Production: TELEWIZJA POLSKA S.A.
The jury voted for this documentary for it has presented folk music as an indigenous bridge between generations – past and present. The timeless beautiful rhythms which flow throughout the entire film reflect upon extraordinary people in their rustic, musical environment and show that their art – their folk music, still lives and can be passed onto the next generations to be appreciated and explored.
CZECH CRYSTAL – RECORDINGS OF STAGE WORK
THE FIERY ANGEL
A production of Unitel for Theater an der Wien and VBW International GmbH
Prokofievs‘ score is a masterpiece and the production was frightening and moving in its musical and dramatic intensity. Storytelling is clear and fluent and the whole is concieved in a contemporary atmosphere which was indeed riveting. The performances were gripping, unforgettable and intense.
CZECH CRYSTAL – RECORDINGS OF CONCERT PERFORMANCE
SPRING STARS OF THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC III WITH JAKUB HRŮŠA AND LISA BATIASHVILI
Production: Czech Philharmonic
The Czech Philharmonic concert recorded in Rudolfinum during Covid times is remarkable in creating magical music atmosphere in an empty hall using beautiful lightning effects. The viewer is drawn into the space of the concert hall in a beautiful and magical way. The orchestra, the violin soloist and a conductor are presented in a beautiful musical fashion. The production is moving yet subtle without drawing attention to itself. It was a pleasure to hear Czech music, Dvořák‘s music, being performed in a gentle, yet expressive way.
CZECH TELEVISION PRIZE
JANINE JANSEN: FALLING FOR STRADIVARI
Production: Asterisk Films
Co-production: Foxy Films
The movie describes the arduous journey of the Dutch virtuoso Janine Jansen to record a unique album on twelve of the world´s most valuable Stradivari violins. It created a natural, emotional combination of captivating music in her rendition – and remarkable information on expensive instruments she herself chooses for the recordings…
SPECIAL MENTION FOR EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT
WHITE ROSE
Production: ZDF - German Television
White Rose impressed the jury for its intense, powerful and moving visualization. It’s a television presentation made remarkable by its visualisation and brilliant use of graphics and animation. The performance of the two singers is both intense and frighteningly real. It is a period piece but the message it relays is as real and meaningful today as it was in the Nazi time period. It presents a scene which should never be forgotten. It is a heroic and remarkable reminder of the power of music. Most important of all it is the perfect creation made for television.
SPECIAL MENTION FOR EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT
THE DYING SWANS PROJECT
Production: ZDF (3sat)
Co-production: Theaterhaus Stuttgart/Gauthier Dance
The Dying Swan Project is a remarkable programme which presents contemporary thoughts by 16 different dancers, 16 different composers, 16 different choreographers and 16 different directors. It is colorful, artistic achievement which presents dance in a refreshing, contemporary way that proves that dance can be attractive, intense and invigorating.
EBU – IMZ OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
To Peter Sellars - This year's EBU - IMZ Outstanding Achievement Award goes to opera, theatre and festival director Peter Sellars, who in the words of IMZ President Arild Erikstad "is one of the most unique and powerful artists of our time."
DAGMAR AND VÁCLAV HAVEL FOUNDATION VIZE 97
THE DYING SWANS PROJECT
Production: ZDF (3sat)
Co-production: Theaterhaus Stuttgart/Gauthier Dance
The Dying Swans Project is a remarkable response to the covid pandemic in culture and it also presents new original music and choreography performed by 16 dancers of the Gauthier Dance/Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart.