The Czech Journey to Space is taking on a new dimension—creative and cinematic. Following the success of the Zero-G mission, the national project, which includes the planned mission of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to the International Space Station (ISS), is once again focusing on young, talented enthusiasts. The ESA BIC Czech Republic business incubator, operated by CzechInvest, in cooperation with the Future Gate film festival and the Czech Journey to Space initiative, is launching a film competition titled “Mission: Film.” Its goal is to bring the fascination of space closer to young people in a completely new way. The competition encourages children and youth to explore space through their own perspective, camera, and imagination. The winning films will be screened at the Lucerna cinema during the Czech Republic’s largest space event, Czech Space Week, taking place in the second half of October.
Mission: Film is a competition for elementary, high school, and university students, as well as young people up to 26 years of age. The aim of this unique project is to promote interest in space, connect science with art, and give young people the opportunity to create.
“We want to show young people that space isn’t just about numbers and equations, but also about emotions, dreams, and stories. Mission: Film is an invitation for everyone who’s not afraid to use their imagination and look at the cosmos through their own lens—whether with humor, seriousness, or a completely new perspective,” says Andrej Štůla, director of the Future Gate film festival.
“Lights, camera, space!” – Mission: Film launches
The film competition reaches out to a new generation of creators and space enthusiasts in a unique way. There are four age categories: lower primary school pupils, upper primary school pupils, high school students, and university students or young people up to 26 years old. Both individuals and small teams of up to five people can participate. For elementary and high schools, registration must also include one teacher.
There are no creative limits when it comes to the film production itself. The films can be live-action, animated, or experimental—what matters most is originality. Submitted films can be in Czech, English, or completely wordless, and should be between 1 and 10 minutes in length. Applications with the completed films can be submitted until mid-July 2025.
One of the unique aspects of the Mission: Film competition is the opportunity to create films in collaboration with technology companies and institutions that are actively involved in developing the Czech space ecosystem. Young creators can gain access to cutting-edge technologies and expert know-how during the production of their films.
“We want to offer young people the chance to shoot their films in truly inspiring locations—whether it’s the Hvězdárna a planetárium Brno, the science center Velký svět techniky, or a flight simulator from Vrgineers. Thanks to our cooperation with Mission: Film partners, they’ll get to experience technologies and environments typically reserved for professionals in space research,” says Petr Mild, marketing manager at ESA BIC Czech Republic and a member of the Mission: Film organizing team.
The Path to a Space Experience Leads Through the Movie Screen
The competition finale, including screenings of the winning films, will take place this fall at the legendary Lucerna cinema as part of Czech Space Week.
“The winners can look forward to not only valuable prizes from space industry companies but also unforgettable experiences—such as a visit to the European Space Agency’s astronaut training center or meetings with space industry experts. We believe that such an experience can inspire young creators to take further steps toward science, technology, or even space itself,” adds Filip Schauer, director of the Future Gate film festival and a member of the Mission: Film organizing team.
Mission: Film is another milestone of the Czech Journey to Space national project, which supports young people on their journey toward science, technology, and space exploration.
“At a time when the European space sector is rapidly evolving, it is the young generation who can bring fresh ideas, energy, and solutions to future challenges. Creative competitions, outreach activities, and collaboration with research and technology institutions give students the opportunity to truly become part of this development,” concludes Václav Kobera, Director of the Department of Space Activities and New Technologies at the Ministry of Transport and coordinator of the Czech Journey to Space national project.
Media Contact:
Petr Mild
Marketing Manager, ESA BIC Czech Republic
+420 601 585 739
petr.mild@czechinvest.gov.cz
