66th Zlín Film Festival

The Ecumenical Jury awards their Prize to the film THE ALTAR BOYS for the way it raises the timeless question of what it means to do good. The film approaches this theme with lightness, authenticity, and without narrow-minded moralizing. Although the main characters are Polish Catholic altar boys, the film’s universal message will resonate with audiences regardless of their religious, national, or other identities.

The story reminds us that the path to becoming a good person is often arduous, meets with misunderstanding, and requires leaving behind comfortable structures. However, if we want to live authentically and take our lives seriously, it is a necessary journey. The film THE ALTAR BOYS gives us courage on this path and affirms its profound meaning.

We would like to award a commendation to a film that taught us about identity and the importance of being ourselves in a world where we don’t always fit in. Being surrounded by loved ones who encourage us to express ourselves is part of the beauty of life, and we hope that the message from GUGU’S WORLD will go beyond Brazil’s borders and into the souls of young people everywhere around the globe.