Life Behind Walls: North Korea

The multimedia festival Life Behind Walls: North Korea ran from May 8–20, 2026 in Hall 13 of Holešovická tržnice (Bubenské nábřeží 306/13, Prague). Created under the direction of Korean studies scholar and author Nina Špitálníková, who personally studied at Kim Il-sung University in Pyongyang in 2011 and 2012 and transformed her unique testimony into books such as "Between Two Kims" and "Diaries from North Korea", the exhibition represents the most comprehensive North Korea project ever mounted in the Czech Republic and across Europe. Spanning 1,500 m², the exhibition combines documentary photography, architecture, literature, and authentic testimonies from North Korean refugees. Key works include photographs by British-Polish documentary photographer Michał Huniewicz, who captured everyday life in North Korea from close range. Portraits of North Korean refugees come from French photographer Tim Franck's acclaimed series Unperson – visitors encounter not only their faces but also concrete life stories of escape, loss, and hope. The architectural design by Barbara Bencová guides visitors symbolically "from light into darkness". Refugee testimonies are conveyed through art installations, audio stops, photographs, and architecture. The exhibition includes an interactive children's zone based on the fairy tale Tota Flies (author Nina Špitálníková, illustrations Dana Lédl), which sensitively introduces young visitors to what it means to live without freedom. Schools have free entry; weekdays 9:00–12:00 are reserved for school groups. Public opening hours: 10:00–18:00. Admission ranges from 0–800 CZK; children under 12 have free entry.