The Czech Republic’s Oscar Aspirations: A Story of Family, Addiction, and Artistic Risk-Taking

The Czech Film and Television Academy (CFTA) has announced Pepa Ljubojacki’s documentary “If Pigeons Turned to Gold” as their submission for Best International Feature at the Oscars 2027. This film, which chronicles the director’s family members struggling with addiction over five years, marks a significant shift in Czech cinema’s willingness to tackle tough subjects and experiment with conventional storytelling.

The decision to submit “If Pigeons Turned to Gold” for international recognition comes on the heels of its success at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year. Ljubojacki’s documentary won awards for Best Documentary Feature and the Caligari prize, solidifying its reputation as a critical darling within the industry.

The film’s innovative approach lies in its interweaving of diary shots, stylized memories, and graphic collages to create a visually striking and formally innovative work. By refusing to shy away from the complexities of addiction, Ljubojacki has crafted a powerful exploration of family dynamics that eschews traditional narrative structures.

The Czech Republic’s Oscar history is marked by notable successes, including “The Shop on Main Street” (1965) and “Closely Watched Trains” (1966), both of which won the award for Best Foreign Language Film. However, these earlier films were largely critical darlings and commercial successes within their own right, whereas Ljubojacki’s documentary represents a risk-taking endeavor.

The selection of “If Pigeons Turned to Gold” as the Czech Republic’s Oscar submission signals a desire on the part of the CFTA to push the boundaries of what constitutes ‘artistic’ filmmaking. This decision also reflects a growing trend within international cinema towards more personal and experimental storytelling.

As Ljubojacki’s documentary embarks on its international journey, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to its intimate focus on family dynamics and addiction. The film’s message – that the best art often emerges from vulnerability and risk-taking – is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of cinema to challenge our perceptions.

The competition for Best International Feature is notoriously fierce, but if “If Pigeons Turned to Gold” can capture the attention of Academy voters, it would be a testament to the enduring power of Czech cinema. The documentary’s international sales are being handled by Split Screen, a Croatia-based company with a track record of championing innovative and under-the-radar films.

The selection process for the Oscars 2027 will be closely watched by industry insiders and fans alike. The shortlist of 15 movies will be announced on December 15, with the five nominees unveiled on January 21. As we wait to see which films make the cut, one thing is clear: Ljubojacki’s film represents a bold new chapter in Czech cinema’s ongoing quest for artistic excellence.

Ultimately, “If Pigeons Turned to Gold” has set a new standard for cinematic excellence in its country, and whether or not it ultimately takes home the coveted statuette remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Ljubojacki’s documentary has already won something far more valuable: our attention and respect.