Lover, Not a Fighter
| Lover, Not a Fighter | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Slovak | Milovník, nie bojovník |
| Directed by | Martina Buchelová |
| Screenplay by | Martina Buchelová |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Adam Mach |
| Edited by |
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| Music by |
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Production companies |
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| Distributed by |
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Release dates |
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Running time | 109 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | Slovak |
Lover, Not a Fighter (Slovak: Milovník, nie bojovník) is a 2026 romantic tragicomedy film written and directed by Martina Buchelová in her directorial debut.[1] 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.[2]
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.[3][4]
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.[5]
It was at editing stage in July 2024.[6]
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.[7]
The film will be theatrically released in Slovak Republic by Asociácia slovenských filmových klubov and in Czech Republic by Aerofilms on 17 September 2026.[8]
The Barcelona-based sales agent Low Light Films acquired international rights of the film in July 2026.[9]
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 | Won | [10] |
References
- ↑ Buchelová, Martina (2 July 2026). "Lover, Not a Fighter". Cineuropa. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ "Lover, Not a Fighter". Slovak Film Institute. 2 July 2026. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ "Lover, Not a Fighter". Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. 3 June 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Georg Szalai (11 July 2026). "Karlovy Vary Film Fest Awards Go to 'Fruit Gathering,' 'The Guest,' 'Lover, Not a Fighter' and 'Incinerator'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Georg Szalai (2 July 2024). "Karlovy Vary Eastern Promises Winners Include 'Virtual Girlfriends,' Turkish Sports Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Balaga, Marta (5 July 2024). "Martina Buchelová's 'Lover, Not a Fighter' Looks for Hope Amidst Chaos, Debuts First-Look Stills: 'This Film Will Caress You' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Tim Dams (2 June 2026). "Karlovy Vary International Film Festival unveils 2026 official selection". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Kudláč, Martin (7 July 2026). "Review: Lover, Not a Fighter". Cineuropa. Retrieved 12 July 2026.
- ↑ Abbatescianni, Davide (20 July 2026). "EXCLUSIVE: Low Light Films picks up Karlovy Vary Proxima Grand Prix winner Lover, Not a Fighter". Cineuropa. Retrieved 20 July 2026.
- ↑ Balaga, Marta (11 July 2026). "Myanmar-Set 'Fruit Gathering' Wins at Karlovy Vary: 'Harrowing Drama of Obsession and Queer Desire'". Variety. Retrieved 12 July 2026.