I would like to thank everyone who has participated in the debate regarding the future direction of our Faculty that has been ongoing for the past few weeks. This is not an easy path to take but I believe that we can uphold the best of our traditions while fostering innovations that will propel FAMU forward in an international context.

One of the steps along this path is the selection process for the director of FAMU Studio. The transparent process is intended to help define the vision for the Studio going forward while strengthening the role of what is the cornerstone of practical instruction at FAMU. In order for the process to comply with both legal regulations and our own internal policies, it was necessary to the position to be vacant, which is why Mr Ondřej Šejnoha was recalled with effect from 1 October. This decision is not an expression of criticism of the Studio’s former leadership – it is simply an inevitable part of the administrative procedure. The requirements for the selection procedure were defined so as to allow the former director to apply alongside others.

At the same time, I am trying to hold discussions with all stakeholder groups. I have met with the students of the Departments of Sound and Editing, and have arranged meetings with the Departments of Cinematography and Directing. I consider your suggestions thoroughly – some can be addressed immediately while others require a broader discussion across Faculty authorities.

Increasing the budget for the production of shared and field exercises has always been part of my agenda, and I will promote this throughout my tenure as the Dean. I do know, however, that radical changes take time and require discussions across the entire Faculty, which is why, for the time being, we have been adopting individual measures that have emerged from discussions with students: changing the session timing, increasing the production budget for the sound design of selected exercises, increasing the number of students in the Cinematography master’s programme, and making organisational tune-ups for the Department of Editing. I would be happy if the other Departments also shared their needs and ideas in this respect.

The gradual upgrades of our production equipment are equally important. We want our students to both interact with inspiring teachers and work in an environment and use equipment adequate to the current requirements of the film and audiovisual industry. Upgrading does not mean simply buying new equipment – it also means fostering the prerequisites for intensive cooperation across programmes and Departments.

FAMU is entering a period that will be rife with challenges as well as exceptional opportunities. I believe the shared effort of our entire academic community will help us improve the quality of teaching and our Faculty’s international renown. The fact that we have been investing in production, upgrades and the leadership of the Studio proves that we believe in the potential of both FAMU students and faculty.

Last but not least, we should voice our appreciation for the work of FAMU Studio personnel. They are true professionals we can depend on. Thanks to them, the Studio is a reliable workplace that works seamlessly regardless of changes in human resources. Their professionalism makes the Studio the perfect proof of the notion that continuity and democratic principles can go hand in hand.

David Čeněk
Dean

Dear Colleagues, Dear Students,

Our Faculty likes to measure itself against other film schools, and this is a good thing because it helps us seek new ways to move forward. We often draw inspiration from FEMIS in Paris with which FAMU has been collaborating on a long-term basis. FEMIS had incredible statistics at this year’s edition of the Cannes Film Festival: 15 films directed by its alumni and alumnae, more than 160 of its alumni and alumnae involved in 53 films, and 16 films produced directly by its former students. Interestingly, this school produces fewer films than FAMU does – and yet it is much more visible on the international scene. This rate of success is the outcome of specific political/cultural background, which is something that we cannot influence, but we can draw inspiration from their successes in other respects.

This leads us to ask ourselves the questions of how efficiently we use the funding available to us and how the FAMU Studio operates. The costs of producing films account for more than one-fourth of the Faculty’s budget these days and amount to tens of millions of crowns, but this is not satisfactorily reflected in our alumni’s and alumnae’s careers or international success. Talent is not the problem; this is something that FAMU is definitely not lacking. The problem is more in the actual structure of production and our difficulties in responding to the new challenges of the 21st century.

This is why, this year, we will initiate a broad debate regarding the future of the FAMU Studio in this academic year. One of the steps will be a tendering procedure for the position of the Head of the Studio, which we believe is both required by our internal policies and procedures and desirable from the point of view of ethics and the democratic functioning of the Faculty. Discussions are being held in the Academic Senate and they also involve the employees of FAMU Studio and the Faculty and the students in related programmes.

We welcome all ideas and suggestions that can contribute towards the development of our Faculty and our study programmes. Symbolically, FAMU Studio will be transforming during the year when we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the foundation of AMU and FAMU, and this will also be reflected in the Faculty’s strategic plan for the period from 2026 to 2030. The Faculty will function in its standard mode of operation in the academic year 2025/2026, but will also embrace the opportunity for a vital debate about its future.

David Čeněk
Dean

How can a school help its alumnae and alumni make a smooth transition to an audiovisual career? How can one tackle the lengthy period before securing sufficient funding for their film debut? These are just some of the questions that film schools all over the world ask themselves. One of the possible answers is an incubator that will help young professionals adapt to audiovisual practice, allowing them to gain new experience and build a network of useful contacts. To us, our collaboration with CME is the first step towards connecting film schools with the background of an established and respected broadcaster and audiovisual content producer. There are multiple good examples of how television companies and VOD platforms can boost the development of talents and aid their successful creative careers. I am convinced that our shared academy will provide an inspiring space in which the creativity and talent of FAMU’s and other film schools’ graduates will be nurtured and fostered using a combination of theory and practice. Examples in neighbouring countries show us that this is an approach that works, eventually benefiting everyone involved.  

Vít Schmarc
Vice-Dean 

STILL ROLLING, STILL BURNING

Maybe you are just packing up for the KVIFF, maybe you are enjoying the first days of the holidays to the full, or maybe you are working hard and no rest is in sight.

If you are going to Karlovy Vary, it is worth noticing to what extent this year’s films reflect the topic of sustainability – and not just as an issue but also as a way of thinking about the relationship to a place, the world, and oneself. One of such films is The Anatomy of the Horses, a quiet meditation about returning to the landscape pondering the question of whether one can live again on the wreckage of revolution. If you wish to take more of a hardline approach, Futuro Futuro brings an enthralling and visually radical dystopia. And if it all overwhelms you, you can find inspiration in Better Go Mad in the Wild scheduled to be shown in the main competition.

As part of the industry programme, FAMU will join a presentation by the Sustainable Audiovisual Platform (PUAV) that will showcase, among other things, our new lifelong education courses focused on sustainability.

With effect from this autumn, the KOS will offer five new interdisciplinary subjects focused on environmental issues and inter-Faculty cooperation. You can find more information about these in this issue of our newsletter. 

Whether you are about to leave for Vary, a hike, or a seaside resort, I wish you a lovely summer. Regain your strength and get some rest. You deserve it.

Vojta Dubcová
Environmental Ambassador

An event took place at the end of last month without the majority of our school paying attention to it, but the lessons learned during the event can be of use to all of us. It was the FAMU Doctoral Students’ Colloquium during which the students presented the current status of their research projects to all other students and the subject boards. Most importantly, however, each and every project was discussed collectively and in depth. I am convinced that everyone in attendance got to experience the productivity in people’s ability to truly listen and offer constructive criticism, and maybe even applaud each other now and then. This is a good way to build a functional community, and I hope we will fare increasingly well in this effort at our Faculty.

Jakub Korda
Vice-Dean for Science and Research

The celebrations of the 80th anniversary of AMU and FAMU are approaching. Every such round number naturally invites reflections and celebrations. However, we would not want the 80th anniversary to be reduced to a few obligatory, one-off events. We aim to celebrate the past and present of FAMU in a way that creates something meaningful for the future as well.

That is why, for the year 2026, we are preparing a fresh start for FAMU’s film distribution activities, collaborations with prestigious festivals, and partnerships with other AMU faculties. And to my great delight, the first idea has already come from students who wish to express their own perspective on the institution’s history.

Of course, my door is always open to more ideas.

Vít Schmarc
Více-Dean for External Relations and Develompment

March is when our Faculty becomes immersed in the FAMUFEST atmosphere. I see this event as the pinnacle of the academic year most notably for its community nature. There is no doubt that the organisation team from the Producing Department along with their teachers have done excellent job once again. What I appreciate most about the event is its human dimension which, I believe, overrides any notion of competitiveness. I consider the theme of this year’s edition, Happy End, to be significant given the developments all over the world, as it appears that every ending is merely the beginning of another conflict. While the organisers could hardly have anticipated this, this phrase has also become a powerful symbol of hope – as well as a reminder that art never stands aside of historical context.

I believe FAMUFEST is also immensely important because, for a few days, it offers space for getting together in a different context and with a different purpose. It offers an opportunity to get a glimpse into the individual Departments’ output, in effect placing emphasis on FAMU’s diversity. Hopefully this will make us all realise more acutely how crucial collaboration is.

David Čeněk
Dean

The explosive developments on the Slovak cultural scene, with key institutions such as the National Theatre, National Museum, more recently the Slovak National Gallery and others being dismantled in real time, do not pass unnoticed in our country. All of this reminds us that the institutional context is strongly reflected in the state of culture and art and, more importantly, that we should watch this context and any changes in it closely and influence the developments actively whenever possible, both as active citizens and experts. Of course, we can observe many structural issues in our own country that affect the realm of culture but, unlike Slovakia, one of the more recent institutional changes has luckily been positive for us. The Czech Film Fund was officially renamed the Czech Audiovisual Fund effective from the beginning of this year, and the name change indicates that this institution is duly taking inspiration from good practice on an international scale. From now on, its four independent panels will autonomously support not only the traditional field of cinema but also television art, animation and video games, and audiovisual infrastructure. FAMU has not been omitted from these affairs and can nominate candidates for the panels from among its own personnel. Nominations for the Fund’s Board members, who get to contribute to the global concept for the development of the audiovisual sector, are also in progress. The people who work in our school have always actively supported the audiovisual sector, and I am genuinely happy to note that this is the case again – regardless of whether or not the Minister of Culture eventually appoints them to sit on the Fund panels. The most important thing is that FAMU is neither giving up its right nor avoiding its duty of active involvement in these developments.

Jakub Korda
Vice-Dean for Research and Development

The Academic Senate of FAMU has called a plenary meeting of the Academic Community of FAMU for Thursday 23 January from 4 pm in room U1 to discuss two crucial affairs regarding the operation of the Faculty.

The first part of the meeting’s agenda will be the final debate regarding the Decree on the Distribution and Support of FAMU Students’ Artistic Output drafted by Vít Schmarc, Vice-Dean for Public Relations and Development on the basis of feedback from the members of the Academic Community, relevant authorities, FAMU employees and experts.

The second part of the agenda will be a discussion on the number of both shared and single-subject practical exercises undertaken at FAMU. The number stems from the curricula of the individual programmes and impacts (not only) the capacity of the school and the students.

Both items to be discussed during the meeting concern the essential agenda of the Faculty’s operation. Therefore, it is entirely appropriate for the leadership to listen to and reflect on the opinions of the members of the Academic Community including FAMU employees who are hereby invited. The Dean’s Office encourages initiative and is looking to plentiful attendance.

Karolína Kyselová
Vice-Dean for Study Affairs

Sustainability is not just a ‘buzzword’ despite opinions to the contrary. Sustainability is a trend in all areas of existence that is definitely worth reflecting on, thinking through and making reality through action. With its tangible impact on the environment as well as the wellbeing of individuals, the audiovisual industry is not in a position to avoid it. FAMU has taken an active part in building the Czech Platform for a Sustainable Audiovisual Industry (https://greenfilming.cz/) which brings together the most prominent players in the market. Competitors become allies as lively discussions take turns with sharing experience and practical know-how. FAMU’s contribution is of key importance and covers raising film professionals. Thus, subjects intended to focus on the theory and practice of sustainable filmmaking approaches are being prepared as part of the Green Deal project under the National Recovery Plan. The intention is to raise a new generation of authors capable of operating within the dynamically changing landscape of the modern audiovisual industry. This is not about abstract greenwashing – this is a rational and practical step that will improve the career chances of our alumni and alumnae and reduce the impact of our activities on our own environment. 

Vít Schmarc
Vice-Dean for External Relations and Development

This academic year, the Advent will be a pivotal period for the Academy of Performing Arts. The Rector’s election will be held on Monday, 2 December, right after the First Advent Sunday, and its result will radically influence the direction in which all three Faculties will progress in the next four years. The Academic Senate of AMU will choose from two candidates – the current Rector Assoc. Prof. Ingeborg Radok Žádná and the former Dean of FAMU Dr. Andrea Slováková. The two personalities have two distinct visions of the Faculties’ autonomy and perhaps even more divergent views of AMU’s priorities. Both approaches have their respective strengths and weaknesses.

The top academic officials in certain countries are appointed based on their expertise; in our country, they are elected in a representative democracy system. This system creates a political environment that is not as regulated as the parliamentary election system. No regulation determines who is or is not allowed to run (although the number of terms of office and the nomination methods are regulated). AMU follows a customary practice where either the Faculties’ candidates take turns as the Rector or the existing Rector is re-elected for a second term of office.

We are currently in an unenviable situation, as the entire discussion regarding the future direction of the Rectorate will be tainted with the ‘FAMUleaks’ affair. Roughly two years ago, someone hacked a private e-mail box of a FAMU employee. Since the person had used their private e-mail for communication with colleagues, the intruder gained access to various messages that they proceeded to distribute anonymously to specific groups of persons over the course of two weeks. Rector of AMU Assoc. Prof. Ingeborg Radok Žádná and Dean of FAMU Dr. Andrea Slováková filed a criminal complaint, as did several other afflicted persons. The Police of the Czech Republic closed the investigation on 9 August 2024, concluding that they have been unable to determine facts of the case authorising them to commence criminal prosecution of a specific person, and the case was set aside under Section 159a(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The previous sentence is an abbreviated quote from the official note which FAMU received via data box, and this is a fact that is not about to change.

We are faced with the risk that, instead of focusing on a matter-of-fact debate about the future of the Faculties and the further development of the academic environment in higher art schools, attention will be given to lies, speculations and manipulative tampering with information not unlike conspiracy theories, including contesting the conclusions of police investigation, with the goal being to defame one of the candidates and steer attention away from the essential topics and values that elections highlight, such as transparent communication on the Faculty-Rectorate plane, inclusion, development, and the sustainability of the environment we inhabit.

A sustainable academic environment should have respect for the rules of business-like polemic and different views, honesty, and fair handling of information. It is easy to get swayed by emotion stirred by injustices of the past. Our task, however, should be to put respect and honesty first, and contribute together towards creating such an academic environment which will prevent said incidents from happening and help in healing recently inflicted wounds. After all, this can legitimately be expected considering the nomination of both candidates, and as a member of FAMU leadership, I am proud that former Dean of FAMU Dr. Andrea Slováková was nominated both by the academic bodies of our Faculty and the Academic Senate of DAMU.

David Čeněk
Dean

I came to FAMU after almost two decades spent in another university, which is why I was unaware of the local environment and the informal workings of the school. I joined the team at a somewhat ‘unfortunate’ time – right before the summer holidays when schools usually switch to a non-standard mode of operation and begin to hibernate. Keeping that in mind, allow me to admit that I am eagerly awaiting the beginning of the full-scale semester to finally experience the school in its natural creative buzz. In addition to standard educational procedures, the level of shared community is a vitally important part of any school, and this has shaped many of us cardinally during our studies. This is why I consider it of utter importance to care for this environment systematically, make sure that it is always healthy and stimulating, and create a maximum of space for all students to self-express. This is exactly the kind of school that I personally would like to work in. I want to contribute towards pointing our school in this direction, as I believe this is exactly the kind of school that the vast majority of young people want to study at. I hope to finally experience this type of open (and also a little unpredictable, bold, and definitely inspiring) FAMU in its actual semester operation. This is what I was looking forward to when I said yes to a somewhat unexpected offer to join you.

Jakub Korda
Vice-Dean for Research and Development

Upon his inauguration, Dean David Čeněk mentioned the mission and objectives of FAMU’s leadership. Those include facilitating an environment where students can draw inspiration and foster their talents. A tertiary educational institution at which teachers can feel free. A place where our colleagues in charge of the day-to-day operation of our school feel that their work matters. A space for all of us.

With that in mind, I am happy to recount some of the activities that we are and will be pursuing as we embark on the new academic year.

The launch of our intranet site – an information directory for FAMU employees – is a major milestone. We are thankful for this achievement to Helena Bendová, Eliška Mlynáriková, Radek Hylmar and the entire workgroup involved.

The Dean’s Office in cooperation with the FAMU Studio personnel are analysing the school’s capacity and resources in relation to workload applicable to both students in context of their work on practical exercises and the requirements related to the observance of the curricula, and the persons involved in the associated instruction and production. This agenda is at its initial stage and countless man-hours will be required to complete the task, but the objective has been set and the plan is in place, and we thank everyone who is contributing to the agenda.

I would also like to point out agendas that have been set up earlier and are now an integral part of the school. The position of the ombudsperson, to which Pavlína Junová was recently re-elected, is in charge of cultivating internal culture and fair and democratic conduct. The services of school psychologist Alena Čechová are available to FAMU students and employees alike.

We have completed a selection procedure for the environmental ambassador position and welcomed Vojtěška Dubcová on board.

All of the aforementioned activities have been launched on the basis of the needs and suggestions of FAMU students and employees. This is the reason why we welcome your initiative going forward. Let us communicate well again in the upcoming academic year. I am looking forward to it.

Yours respectfully,
Karolína Kyselová

I took part in this year’s edition of the KVIFF as a member of the FAMU team for the first time, and it was tough trying to avoid a sense of pride. Czech cinema is on the rise and FAMU’s share in this process is very obvious. Department of Directing student Adam Martinec showed with Our Lovely Pig Slaughter that the ‘popular comedy’ genre does not have to be synonymous with ‘pathetic’: it can be authentic and rooted in keen observation. Department of Documentary Film student Marie-Magdalena Kochová’s extraordinarily delicate and empathetic The Other One focuses on the topic of ‘glass children’ and offers a gentle portrait of adolescence. Then, of course, there is Klára Tasovská who has graduated from the same Department. Her Ještě nejsem, kým chci být (I Am Not Who I Want To Be Yet), an intimate and uniquely scripted documentary that amazed audiences at the Berlinale, is an enthralling example of an ingeniously minimalist approach capable of encompassing a multitude of universal topics through the life story of photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková. Student films presented during the final commission screenings radiated excellent energy as well. My task as the Vice-Dean is clear: contribute to making sure that FAMU remains an open, inspiring and creative environment and a vibrant part of the international festival scene, and that the exceptional works created here find their ways to the broadest audiences possible.

Vít Schmarc

One of the ways students can tell that their school functions well is when they notice next to no changes as the leadership is replaced. I hope this will be the case in June with Karolína Kyselová becoming the Vice-Dean for Study Affairs, Jakub Korda the Vice-Dean for Science and Research, and Vít Schmarc the Vice-Dean for Public Relations and Development, resulting in a complete overhaul of our Faculty’s leadership.

I assumed the position of the Dean of FAMU for the 2024–2028 period on 20 May. I see my role as a great honour combined with exceptional responsibility. I outlined some of my goals in my concept document, but I am acutely aware of additional tasks awaiting me inevitably. I perceive the position of the Dean primarily as that of a mediator who represents, promotes and defends the opinions and positions of the Faculty’s academic community. While it may seem that the Dean mostly makes decisions, this power is quite limited and, in reality, the Dean is more of a person who turns decisions into reality, with their agenda involving many actions actually verifying and confirming others’ decisions.

My objective is not for FAMU to grow by adding more programmes and activities. I think we have already reached the limit of our human and financial resources. We have been struggling with a shortage of space for a long time. Therefore, I will focus on using the opportunities available to us and ensuring the current status quo is sustainable.

FAMU has a long and glorious history in the fields of cinema, television, photography and audiovisual art. We have been witnessing the continuous development and change in the world of art and media together, and have been honoured to shape next generations of artists who will go on to shape the future. Our mission remains the same: foster talent, innovation and excellence in all areas of cinematic and media art. We strive to create an environment where students can not only learn but also draw inspiration and develop their talents. Educational freedom is of equal importance.

The preceding paragraph may seem clichéd, but to me it sums up the essence of the never-ending quest for the right form of art education. As a Vice-Dean for International Affairs, I had ample opportunity to witness a broad range of approaches to filmmaking education: not one of them was perfect, and each had its strengths and weaknesses. While we could use inspiration in various respects, our Faculty can hold its own in comparison with international schools without any problems. All we need to do is use the resources we have in an appropriate and sensible way.

I decided to offer the Vice-Deans space in the forewords to this newsletter so that they can communicate with the academic community and the entire Faculty. Accordingly, we will take turns writing these forewords.

I wish us all a beautiful start of the summer.

Yours sincerely,

David Čeněk