Father () is a 2025 Slovak-language psychological drama film directed by Tereza Nvotová, co-written by Nvotová and Dušan Budzak. Starring Milan Ondrík and Dominika Morávková, it follows a father who experiences forgotten baby syndrome.
The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 28 August 2025. It was selected as the Slovak entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.
Premise Father follows the life of a man after he experiences forgotten baby syndrome, unintentionally leaving his infant daughter in the back seat of his car.
Cast Milan Ondrík as Michal Dominika Morávková as Zuzka Dominika Zajcz Martina Sľúková Aňa Geislerová Peter Ondrejička Peter Bebjak Ingrid Timková Roman Polák
Production In January 2021, the project took part in the When East Meets West co-production forum during the Trieste Film Festival. In October 2021, it was featured at Industry@Tallinn and Baltic Event as part of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. In June 2022, it joined the Sofia Meetings, held in conjunction with the Sofia International Film Festival. It won the Screen International Award at the C EU Soon program at the MIA Market in October 2024.
Principal photography took place in Bratislava in January and June 2024. It was filmed in one-shot by cinematographer Adam Suzin.
Release Father had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival at the Orizzonti section. The film opened the 20th International Film Festival Cinematik on 10 September 2025.
The film won the Bronze Horse for Best Film at the Stockholm International Film Festival.
In July 2025, Intramovies acquired the film's international sales. The film released in cinemas in Slovakia on 11 September 2025, followed by a release in the Czech Republic a week later, both distributed by CinemArt.
Accolades Award / Festival Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Stockholm International Film Festival 14 November 2025 Bronze Horse Best Film Father Best Screenplay Tereza Nvotová and Dušan Budzak Camerimage Film Festival22 November 2025Cinematographer's Debuts CompetitionAdam SuzinPalm Springs International Film Festival11 January 2026FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actor in an International FeatureMilan OndríkCzech Film Critics' Awards7 February 2026 Best Film Veronika Paštéková, Anton Škreko, Karel Chvojka, Miloš Lochman, Marta Gmosińska, and Mariusz Włodarski Best Director Tereza Nvotová Best Screenplay Tereza Nvotová and Dušan Budzak Best Actor Milan Ondrík Best Actress Dominika Morávková Best Audiovisual Work Adam Suzin Sun in a Net Awards9 April 2026 Best Feature FilmTereza Nvotová Best Director Best Actress Dominika Morávková Best Actor Milan Ondrík Best Screenplay Dušan Budzak and Tereza Nvotová Best Cinematography Adam Suzin Best Editing Nikodem Chabior Best Sound Ivan Horák and Marek Hart Best Score Jonatán (Pjoni) Pastirčák
See also List of submissions to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film List of Slovak submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
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