Cinema and Journalism event. Films, debates, festival.

In each of two categories, we present the following prizes awarded by the festival's jury:

Best Film
Best Director
Student Jury Award
Audience Award

Non-statutory Award:
Solomon Award (awarded by the Solomon Association Prague)

Is a key character in your film a journalist, or does it explicitly deal with the theme of journalism?

We seek compelling non-fiction films (documentaries) consistent with the festival’s theme. There are two competition categories: feature-length films (Press Play DOCS) and shorts (Press Play SHORTS).

Eligibility: The documentary competition is open to films that were produced after January 1, 2022.

Eligibility in terms of theme: The film must either highlight or feature a journalist, or explore or expose substantial aspects of the news profession or media environment.

Duration: Feature-length films must have a runtime of 60 minutes or more, and shorts should have a runtime of 27 minutes or less.

Submissions: Filmmakers are required to submit their films through FilmFreeway, in a format compatible with the competition’s screening requirements. Submissions must be original works, and the filmmaker/producer should own all necessary rights to the content. The screening at Press Play Prague must be the first screening for a Czech audience.

Language: All submissions must include closed captions, plus a captions list. Foreign-language films must also include English-language subtitles.

Rights and Permissions: By submitting their film to the competition, filmmakers grant the organisers the right to screen their film up to four times during the event and to use excerpts or promotional materials for marketing purposes. Submission of a film constitutes agreement by filmmakers to abide by all the rules and regulations set forth by the competition’s organisers.

Selection: A panel of program advisers will evaluate the submissions based on criteria such as thematic relevance and overall artistic merit. The organizers reserve the right to include relevant films even not meeting all criteria.

Submissions from countries with restrictions
We understand the challenges some face due to restricted freedoms or online payment barriers. If you're affected, kindly reach out to us for waiver options to submit your film to our festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Our client film "Love Churchill" was selected at this festival. The communication is super satisfying. The festival team is always there to guide you and answer your questions. The filmmakers really had a great experience having the film screen in the heart if Prague and presenting a Q&A session with audience.

    November 2025
  • Barely Informed

    Great first edition, looking forward to seeing what this festival becomes

    February 2025