Champion + Discussion with the Filmmakers

The 1973 World Figure Skating Championships in Bratislava was an event of exceptional significance for communist Czechoslovakia. The film Champion tells the story of Ondřej Nepela - a phenomenal athlete whose name was known worldwide - as a personal drama of a young man who, after years of representing his country, dreams of one thing: to escape the golden cage of socialist Czechoslovakia and perform in the Holiday on Ice revue.

It is precisely at this vulnerable moment that the regime intensifies its pressure on him. During the final preparations for the championships, Ondřej struggles not only with the regime but above all with himself. Shortly before his decisive performance, fear paralyzes him, and Hilda Múdra must find a way to get him back on his feet.

The film captures the decisive moments and hints at why the world champion does not celebrate on the grainy footage from Bratislava, despite having just achieved his life's triumph. Following the screening, there will be a discussion with the filmmakers.