29. ročník festivalu Made in Prague - speciální newsletter

Welcome to the 29th edition of the Made in Prague Festival, a vivacious celebration of Czech culture presented by the Czech Centre London between 31 October – 30 November 2025.

Across almost three decades, the festival has grown into one of the most distinctive showcases of Czech culture abroad, bringing together artists, audiences, and institutions in a vibrant dialogue between the Czech and British nations. This year’s edition reaffirms our mission: to celebrate Czech creativity and innovation in its many artistic forms while fostering cross-cultural encounters and new perspectives.

The 2025 programme reflects the richness and diversity of contemporary Czech cultural life, as well as its deep historical roots. We are thrilled to open the festival with an exhibition by a Czech–British group of visual artists in the Bouda and Vitrínka gallery spaces, followed by a festive evening featuring a pop-up concert by singer Aiko. This launch sets the tone for a month of discovery, exchange and inspiration.

Among the festival’s many highlights are special film galas with UK premieres at the Regent Street Cinema, The Garden Cinema and BFI IMAX, including the internationally acclaimed films Waves and Caravan. Screenings of top review titles such as Girl America and Actress further enrich the cinematic journey, complemented by a special film presentation at the ICA about the celebrated photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková.

This year, we are particularly pleased that the Festival will be collaborating with the Royal Ballet and Opera to present an exhibition at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This will be centred on Leoš  Janáček’s opera, The Makropulos Case, its beginnings and history up to the present day; and will be staged alongside the Royal Opera’s first ever production of this great Czech masterpiece, under the baton of the newly appointed Music Director of the Royal Opera, Jakub Hrůša. In music, theatre, and photography, the festival continues to offer a platform for outstanding talent: from the virtuosity of young and talented pianists in the Future Tones concert at the Royal Academy of Music, to the poetic physicality of Radim Vizváry’s solo performance at the The Coronet Theatre, and a symposium on photography and visual practices at the V&A. Family and younger audiences can look forward to Living Large, a film screening and workshop for children, while literature and theatre lovers can look forward to an evening dedicated to the iconic Semafor Theatre. To explore and gain a profound insight into the current state of international affairs, you might join the high-profile conference The Price of War organised by the CERGE-EI Foundation. We will close this year’s edition with a Gala Concert by the English Chamber Orchestra, joined by Czech virtuoso Pavel Šporcl, in the spiritual space of the Holy Sepulchre church in the City, a fitting finale to a month of cultural encounters.

But the Made in Prague Festival is about more than its impressive programme. It is a reminder of the essential role of culture in our lives and in international relations. Václav Havel, playwright, dissident, and president, reminded us that culture is not an accessory but the very foundation of a free society. Culture fosters dialogue, empathy, and understanding — without which respect for common values and human rights cannot be achieved. I am proud that the Made in Prague Festival embodies such a conviction, by bringing people together through shared cultural experiences and strengthening the bonds between Czech and British people. To conclude, I would like wholeheartedly to thank all our partners and artists, the Czech Centre’s team and volunteers, and our audiences for making this 29th edition possible. Enjoy and celebrate the Czech culture and creativity in London.

With warmest best wishes

Přemysl Pela
Director of the Czech Centre

• Ecce Homo Homolka (1969): Jaroslav Papoušek’s Czechoslovak New Wave comedy follows a family’s chaotic countryside day, blending sharp humour, subtle satire, and unforgettable performances from the entire cast.

• The White Desease (1937): Based on Karel Čapek’s play, White Disease follows Dr. Galén, who holds a plague’s cure, confronting a ruthless dictator—an urgent, thought-provoking parable of power and war.

• The Riders of the Sky (1968): Based on Filip Jánský’s novel, this black-and-white war drama follows a multinational bomber crew confronting air raids and human cost, honoring unsung RAF gunners with gripping authenticity.