Lover, Not a Fighter () is a 2026 romantic tragicomedy film written and directed by Martina Buchelová in her directorial debut. The film follows Andrej, who is 20, secretly in love with Miša, living with his grandma, and having the problem of climbing high trees when drunk.
The film, a co-production between Slovakia and Czech Republic, premiered at 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 6 July 2026, where it won the PROXIMA Grand Prix.
Cast Adam Kubala as Andrej Michaela Kostková as Miša František Beleš as Peťo Mia Sofia Arpášová Miša's sister Jaroslav Vojtek as Miša's father Jaroslava Pokorná as Andrej's grandmother Adam Burčík Marián Mitaš
Production In July 2024, the film was awarded Works in Progress Sound Post-Production Award at Karlovy Vary Film Festival’s industry section, Eastern Promises.
It was at editing stage in July 2024.
Release Lover, Not a Fighter had its world premiere at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 6 July 2026 in PROXIMA Grand Prix Competition.
The film will be theatrically released in Slovak Republic by Asociácia slovenských filmových klubov and in Czech Republic by Aerofilms on 17 September 2026.
The Barcelona-based sales agent Low Light Films acquired international rights of the film in July 2026.
Accolades
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 11 July 2026 PROXIMA Grand Prix Lover, Not a Fighter
References
External links