Oscar Night: 9 Million Colors, Volklore [screenings + Q&A w/ directors]

An underwater musical, folklore with a digital twist, and two filmmakers in person. Discover Czech shorts in the Oscar race + Q&A.
About this Event

Two award-winning Czech shorts bring strikingly different worlds to the screen, from a colorful ocean to the carefully curated universe of an influencer. Both have qualified for consideration for the 2027 Oscars. Following the films, directors Bára Anna Stejskalová and Viktorie Štěpánová will join us for a Q&A.

9 Million Colors

Bára Anna Stejskalová / 2025 / Czech Republic, Norway, Germany / 15 min / no dialogue

For Fran, a mantis shrimp, the ocean is paradise. For Milva, a small blind fish, it is a daily struggle to survive. Can they find common ground when they experience the world so differently? This stop-motion musical pairs underwater fantasy and dark humor with music by Floex.

Winner of the Animated Short Grand Prize at Indy Shorts 2026, the film qualified for consideration for the Oscar for Animated Short Film. It also received a special jury mention at AFI FEST and an award at Anifilm.

Volklore

Viktorie Štěpánová / 2026 / Czech Republic / 16 min / in Czech with English subtitles

Folk traditions meet fashion trends, advertising, and viral content in this playful experimental short. Fictional YouTuber Vivi guides viewers through a digital world where authenticity becomes something to perform, package, and sell.

Volklore won silver in the Alternative/Experimental category at the 2026 Student Academy Awards, qualifying it for consideration for the Oscar for Live Action Short Film.

DISCLAIMER

Tickets and Admission: Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. All ticket sales are final. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the show starts; latecomers may be refused admission.

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Health and Safety: By attending this event at the Czech Center New York, you acknowledge and accept that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The Czech Center New York is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other health-related issues that may arise before, during, or after the event. We encourage all guests to follow current health guidelines and act responsibly for their own safety and that of others.