Invalida became the Slovak film of the year, Bebjak criticized Fico’s government

The Slovak national award Sun in the Network for the best feature film of 2023 was won by the black comedy Invalida. She succeeded in seven categories, and also received the audience award. Czech actor Zdeněk Godla, the animated film Tonda, Slávka and the Magical Light, the series Mathematics of Crime or the dramas Služka and Úsvit will also take home statuettes from the Slovak Film and Television Academy’s gala on Friday.

The comedy Invalid, directed by Jonáš Karásek, takes place in the 1990s, and in addition to Godla, it also stars three rappers. It tells the story of museum maintenance worker Laco, played by Gregor Hološka, who ends up in a wheelchair after a meeting with rough crooks. Godla won the award for the best acting performance in a supporting role for his role in Invalid, Hološka for the main role.

The co-production film Tonda, Slávka and magical light won in the categories of animated film, visual effects and cinematography. Four awards, including best actress in a leading role, went to The Maid, while Peter Bebjak’s The Mathematics of Crime won in the Best TV Movie, Miniseries or Series category.

In their speeches, some of the awardees expressed support for civil society in Slovakia, expectations regarding the continuation of free creativity, or criticized the current government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The audience, which also included President Zuzana Čaputová, applauded these speeches.

“I don’t agree with the way the government set works at the moment, the way they spread hatred, fear, misinformation, lies. The arrogant way they create enemies and try to divide society. This is the path to unfreedom. Truth and love must win over lies and hatred ,” said director Bebjak.

Filip Pošivač, author of Tonda, Slávka and magical light, in turn supported Slovak civil society, which, according to him, is fighting for empathy and sensitivity. Čaputová, whose five-year presidential mandate will end in mid-June, also received praise and a long standing ovation.

At this year’s 13th edition of the Slovak Film Awards, a record 34 works competed in 18 categories. The films Invalid and The Servant had the most nominations, 13 each. Slovak actress Božidara Turzonovová received the award for exceptional contribution to Slovak audiovisual culture.