The Czech-Slovak film "Cigán" ("Gypsy") by director Martin Šulík has won the Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, which includes a prize of USD 20 000. Ján Mižigár, who played the main role, was also awarded special recognition. The film also won two awards from unofficial juries: The International Federation of Film Societies (FICC) called it the best film and awarded it the Don Quijote Prize, while the Europa Cinemas Label association also gave it a best film award.

The film tells the story of a Romani boy from a poor settlement in eastern Slovakia who comes into conflict with cultural, racial, and societal prejudices as well as with the unwritten laws of his own community. Šulík made the film with mostly unprofessional actors in an authentic environment.

Ján Mižigár (FOTO: www.kviff.com)

The Europa Cinemas Label Prize, which is awarded by the Europa Cinemas network of cinemas throughout Europe, is oriented toward European films premiered at festivals. Jurors considered Šulík's film to be an authentic, moving portrait of the hard life of the Romani community showing the numerous obstacles that stand in the way of a young man doing his best to emancipate himself from that world.

The winner of the 46th annual International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary was the Israeli film "Restoration". Director Joseph Madmony received the Crystal Globe in the Thermal Grand Hall today and a prize of USD 30 000.