About us
Brno Be Love is a new cultural and social movement responding to the need for deeper connection between the Czech and Ukrainian communities in Brno and its surroundings. It is based on the belief that culture has the power to connect people when words are no longer enough. Through art we seek ways to share experiences and listen to each other. By connecting our cultures, we build trust and security between people that share common place. The project will culminate in the Be Love Festival, which will take place on 21. – 24. August 2025 in Brno as a celebration of humanity, understanding and openness. At a time when the world is often divided by borders, we want to create a space in Brno where trust is born instead of fear – and where love is not just a word, but an act of kindness.
Auction
As part of the festival “Brno, be love!” 22. 8. 2025 at 4 pm in Arnold’s Villa in Brno auction.
From 1 p.m. it will be possible to view the works on site.
Program
WEDNESDAY 20. 8. - PREPARATION
Opening
18:30
War Diary: Marisel and the Virgin of Kota
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
A true story from war-stricken Odessa – through the eyes of museum workers and two cats.
🗺 Káznice (Bratislavská 249/68)
We will open a partner exhibition in the Brno Prison, which depicts how Ukrainian museum workers protected their country’s cultural heritage during the first months of the Russian invasion. And because this was a museum where two cats, Marisel and Panna Kota, had always lived, they became silent witnesses to the whole story. And the heroines of the comic strip that came out of the experience.
The exhibition was created in the Odessa City Museum of the private collections of O. V. Bleshchunov. The authors are Maria Aprjatova (illustrations) and Olena Ilyasova (script). Together they have created powerful statements in the form of graphic novels, which today circulate the world. And in the Czech Republic it will be seen for the first time.
In addition to the printed comics, the exhibition will also offer a short animated film and accompanying events – art workshops, guided tours and meetings with the illustrator.
THURSDAY AUGUST 21. 8. - DAY OF OCCUPATION
Event
17:00
Opening of the Ukrainian Shelf at the Jiří Mahen Library
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
The programme of the Brno Be Love festival will be kicked off with the unveiling of the Ukrainian shelf in the Jiří Mahen Library.
🗺 J. Mahen Library (Kobližná 4)
As part of the Brno Be Love festival, which brings a varied programme of Ukrainian culture to Brno, the Ukrainian Shelf will be inaugurated at the Jiří Mahen Library.
The event will be held under the auspices of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, who will join the programme online. Representatives of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in the Czech Republic will also attend the opening.
The Ukrainian Shelves project aims to promote reading and access to literature in Ukrainian around the world and to strengthen cultural links between host countries and the Ukrainian community.
Opening
19:00
Majda Slámová – “War in Ukraine”
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
Photojournalist Majda Slámová’s exhibition “The war in Ukraine” captures raw and authentic moments from the conflict that have deeply affected Ukrainian society since 2022. Through her documentary work, Slámová bears witness to the war’s impact on civilians, destroyed cities, and the resilience and resistance of Ukrainians.
The guided tour will be in both Czech and Ukrainian.
🗺 Institute of the Memory of the Nation (Radnická 10)
CINEMA
20:15
The House of the Word – An Unfinished Novel
Entry fee: 140 Czech crowns
A historical drama about the gathering of Ukrainian writers under one roof in an attempt to make them work for the system. The film depicts how the communist paradise turns into hell.
🗺 Kino Art (Cihlářská 19)
1927. Soviet Ukraine. On Stalin’s orders, the cooperative building “Slovo” was built in Kharkov. The building’s luxurious apartments accommodate the most prominent Ukrainian writers. They all become participants in an experiment aimed at creating a new type of Soviet writer. The attempt to completely control the process of creativity in order to create a unified artistic method of socialist realism is not to everyone’s liking, and not all of the writers agree with the glorification of the cult of Stalin. An unknown person unexpectedly moves in with the residents of the “Slovo” house. It is a young writer Volodymyr Akimov. No one knows him. But with his appearance in the house “Slovo”, strange events begin to take place, which until now still melt the walls of the building and are not explained. (Kinovarta)
(trailer / web / ČSFD / IMDb)
Year of production: 2021, Ukraine
Genres: Drama
Director of Photography: Mykhailo Lubarskyi
Set Design: Shevket Seydametov
Music: Alla Zagaikevich
Theatre
21:00
Líšeň Theatre presents – “Putin Skiing”
→ Tickets available online via smsticket (150 – 300Kč)
🗺 Roman Square
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22. 8. - Day of understanding
Event
14:00 – 16:00
Czech-Ukrainian projects
Presentation of Czech-Ukrainian organisations and projects.
By invitation only
🗺 Arnold’s Villa (Drobného 26)
Auction
16:00 – 18:00
Works of art by leading Czech artists
ARTeM for Ukraine.
🗺 Arnold’s Villa (Drobného 26)
Opening
19:00
Johana Merta – “OVER ALL POSSIBILITIES 2”
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
This is the second exhibition of Johana Merta, which is dedicated to the promotion of relations between Czechs and Ukrainians.
🗺 House of Art (Malinovského nám. 2)
The second exhibition of Johana Merta, which is dedicated to the promotion of relations between Czechs and Ukrainians. Merta wants to follow up last year’s exhibition in Lviv, Ukraine, in September 2024.
The ground floor of the House of Art will be a strategically designed space for encounters and shared experiences. Merta’s artistic work has no fixed boundaries—this “experimental nature” is her signature and freedom. In her current work, she explores communication tools and societal relationships. The installation is accompanied by a discussion on cultural customs and material perception. The project aims to strengthen ties between locals and refugees in contemporary Europe, creating a safe space for all—even if everything offered has its limits.
CINEMA
20:15
Luxembourg, Lucembruk
Entry fee: 140 Czech crowns
There are many beautiful places to die. Luxembourg is not one of them. But beautiful or not, Luxembourg makes dying very expensive.
🗺 Kino Art (Cihlářská 19)
When the twin brothers discover that their long-missing father is in Luxembourg and ill, they set out on a journey to see him one last time. Will the man they find be the evil father they remember?
(trailer / web / ČSFD / IMDb)
Year of production: 2022, Ukrajina
Genre: Komedie
Script: Antonio Lukič
Cast: Ramil Nasirov, Amil Nasirov, Anna Alsheva
Production: Anna Sobolevska, Vladimir Jacenko
Producer: Fore Films
Afterparty
22:00
PulPIT
Come and enjoy a club festival night in Pulpit!
💵 On the spot
→ Admission fee is paid at the entrance (cash 200Kč)
23:00 PDCH (CZ)
01:00 Olga Zhaldak (UA)
03:00 Highimrisa (CZ)
🗺Pulpit(Kapucínské nám. 6)
SATURDAY AUGUST 23. 8. 2025 - FLAG DAY
Fair
10:00 – 20:00
Fair
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
In cooperation with the Ukrainian Initiative of South Moravia and Brno City Hall. There will be a children’s zone, refreshments and much more.
🗺 Moravian Square
Music
15:00 – 16:30
Sonjašnyk 
, Pavel Helan 
and string quartet 
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
We invite all our fans from the Czech Republic and Ukraine, and especially all Ukrainians from Brno who have not heard our fine Czech-Ukrainian repertoire.
🗺 courtyard of the Old Town Hall
Music
From 15:00
Busking
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
Busking of Ukrainian and Czech performers.
Programme to be specified
🗺 Jakubské náměstí
Opening
16:00
Sofia Korotkevych – “Tales of the Steppe”
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
Glass objects, glass fusing
2024
🗺 Káznice (Bratislavská 249/68)
These herbariums consist of plants burned in a kiln between two sheets of glass,
collected in Ukrainian steppes. Charred at temperatures exceeding 750°C,
their remains and ashes tell the story of the literal destruction of
Ukrainian landscapes by fire during wartime. The glass emphasizes
the fragility of these territories, becoming a document of the crimes Russia
has committed against Ukraine’s land.
The guided tour will be in both Czech and Ukrainian.
Exhibition runs until September 17. 9.
Theatre
17:00
“BENTEHA”
Project Before the War Ends / Do Zakynchennya Viii
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
🗺 Káznice (Bratislavská 249/68)
The project Until the War Ends / До Закінчення Війни, organized by the Tripitaka association at Káznice Brno, uses community work tools to respond to the arrival of people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Its main goal is to ease their adaptation into the new cultural and social environment, dispel prejudices, build mutual trust, and reduce social isolation.
The project empowers Ukrainian refugees, allowing them to voice their needs and participate in fulfilling them. It improves communication between newcomers, local institutions, and the public. A key part is the creation of community theater performances involving refugees themselves. Professional theater makers help them transform their often dramatic life stories into a play.
The first such performance is Benteha / Бентега—a Ukrainian word describing a prolonged state of unrest and tension. The play reflects personal testimonies of young Ukrainians through monologues, movement, and poetry, capturing their life in a foreign land, memories of home, and hopes for the future.
“The audience will see authentic testimonies, deeply personal for both participants and us. We aimed to capture how their perception of war, identity, and their new environment evolves,” explains dramaturg Matěj Nytra. Director Max Nowotarski adds: “This project gives participants great freedom—they choose what and how to express. Our role is to curate their voices.”
Cinema
20:15
BUCA
Entry fee: 140 Czech crowns
The film tells the true story of a refugee from Kazakhstan who became an unlikely hero in the spring of 2022, risking his life to save hundreds of Ukrainians from Buchi and the surrounding area occupied by Russian troops.
🗺 Kino Art (Cihlářská 19)
The film is based on real events in Bucha, Vorzel and Hostomel (Kiev region) during the Russian occupation in the first months of the war in February-March 2022.
In 2022, Konstantin Gudauskas, a Lithuanian Jew born in Kazakhstan, is living in Buche, where Ukraine granted him asylum after he was expelled from his country by the Kazakh government. After the Russian invasion began on 24 February 2022, Konstantin, thanks to his Kazakh passport, was able to move freely through the occupied territories and evacuate civilians. In the first few months, he rescued and transported over 200 people to safety. Konstantin witnesses the horrors of war and the atrocities of the Russian occupation. Among those Konstantin rescued is the famous Ukrainian composer Igor Poklad. During the action he is helped by Gaide Rizaevova, a Crimean Tatar, an employee of the GUR (the main intelligence service of Ukraine), who was twice held captive by the separatists. But when Konstantin disobeys her advice, tragedy strikes. The film is based on true events.
(Trailer / Csfd / Imdb)
Runtime: 119 min.
Year of production: 2024, Ukraine
Genres: Action, Drama
Director: Stanіslav Tіunov
Script: Oleksandr Ščur
Camera: Eugene Kirey
Music: Isa Melikov
Party
from 18:00
A pleasant evening of music in one of the classic clubs in Brno.
🎟️ Voluntary admission
→ Voluntary entry for the organization Koridor UA
301 (CZ)
NeBezTebe (CZ)
Dissonant (CZ)
Aldente (CZ)
S.N.A.K. (UA/EN/EN)
🗺 Melodka (Palackého 148)
Concert
20:00
Mix of Vanishing Point, forgotten Czech underground tapes and chain punk.
🎟️ Voluntary admission
→ Voluntary entry for the organization Koridor UA
Stress (CZ)
Diptych (CZ/SK)
GbClifford (CZ)
🗺 Kafara (Fryčajova 78/16)
Afterparty
Door open 23:00
Clubnight in Fractal. On the eve of the last day of the festival, Ukrainian and Czech DJs will play.
💵 On the spot (cash)
→ Admission fee is paid at the entrance (until midnight 200 CZK, after midnight 300 CZK)
Nizar Sarakbi (UA)
Nastya Muravyova (UA/CZ)
AE.WAI (CZ)
🗺 Fraktal (Štefánikova 24)
Music
From 21:00
Mikhailov and PVNCH
📲 Pre-sale (smsticket)
→ Tickets available online via smsticket (350Kč)
Mikhailov, real name Michal Mikhailov, is a Czech rapper of Ukrainian origin and a key figure in the Brno hip hop scene.
PVNCh is an independent Ukrainian rap group originally from northern Ukraine, founded in 2013 in the town of Varva.
🗺 Cabinet of Muses (Sukova 49/4)
SUNDAY AUGUST 24. 8. 2025 - INDEPENDENCE DAY
Fair
10:00 – 20:00
Fair
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
In cooperation with the Ukrainian Initiative of South Moravia and Brno City Hall.
Ukrainian and Moravian folklore ensembles will play live.
🗺 Moravian Square
Music
from 15:00
Brno Live: Jan Fic, Zapaska
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
Live concert of the band Zapaska, where they will perform together with Jan Fico. There will also be busking on the square!
🗺 Jakubské náměstí
Music
15:00 – 16:30
Marevo – Ritual of the new
🎉 Free
→ Program without entrance fee or for a voluntary contribution
A musical and artistic revelation in the public space of a shared utopian future. What visions can be created? How to speak so that the voice does not disappear? Who writes a letter to the self in 2045? Hope. Manifesto. Enthusiasm.
🗺 Moravian Square
Music
20:00
TWO + WRISTBAND (EN/UA)
📲 Pre-sale (smsticket)
→ Tickets available online via smsticket (200Kč)
At the very end of the festival, you will enjoy a musical evening directed by the Czech duo DVA and the Ukrainian band Zapaska.
🗺 Cabinet of Muses (Sukova 49/4)
Cinema
20:15
WE, Our Pets and War
Entry fee: 140 Czech crowns
A powerful documentary about the invisible front of war – the animals who suffer alongside humans and those who save them.
Due to the sensitive content, this film is not suitable for children under the age of 15.
🗺 Kino Art (Cihlářská 19)
This documentary reveals one of the least visible yet extremely painful faces of war – its impact on animals. Amidst the daily chaos and violence, the film presents a mosaic of stories of pets, service dogs, wild and endangered animals struggling to survive alongside humans. Cats, dogs, bears, lions, lemurs and a Yemeni chameleon named Igorek are not just passive victims – they are fellow sufferers, often silent rescuers. Thanks to the sensitive approach of director Anton Ptuskin, who is best known as a popular YouTuber (5.5 million followers), the viewer gets to the very heart of the reality of war, where even in the ruins of cities there is room for compassion, courage and selfless help. Although Ptushkin has never made a documentary before, his attention to detail and empathy gives this story a remarkable humanity and kindness. It is not only the animals who are the heroes of the film, but also the people who rescue them – soldiers, volunteers, vets and ordinary civilians. They help them in air-raid shelters, on the front line, during evacuations and across the border. Their actions are a silent resistance to the brutality of war. And while it may seem that we are saving animals, it is often the animals that save us.
(Trailer, CSFD, IMDB)
Runtime: 79 min.
Country of origin: Ukrajina, Kanada
Genre: Dokument
Director: Anton Ptuškin
Script: Anton Ptuškin
Camera: Anton Ptuškin
Music: Іhor Kirilenko, Maksym Sikalenko
Production: Elizabeth Trojian, Anton Ptuškin, Zoya Sošenko
Producer: VSE SAM, Yap Films
Our partners
The festival is held under the auspices of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic Martin Baxa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavsky, the Mayor of the Statutory City of Brno Markéta Vaňková, the Governor of the South Moravian Region Jan Grolich, the Governor of the Lviv Region Maxim Kozitsky, the Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovy and the Ambassador of Ukraine in the Czech Republic Vasyl Zvaryc.
Podporují nás
Jan Kolařík
Dominik Hašek
The legendary Czech hockey goalie, two-time Vezina Trophy winner and Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings, Dominik Hašek is one of the most prominent personalities in world hockey.
He started his career in Pardubice, led the Czech team to a historic gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics and became famous for his unorthodox style and tireless tenacity. In addition to his athletic achievements, Dominik is known for his warm approach to people and his long-standing support of charitable projects aimed primarily at families with children, both here and in North America.
“I support the Brno Be Love festival because through culture and meeting together we can build understanding and hope,” says Dominik Hašek.
His participation and support show that top sport and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Natalie Golovchenko
“I support the Brno Be Love festival because I have family and friends in Ukraine and I know how important our undying support and compassion is for them. I also believe that through culture and art we have the opportunity to get to know each other and break down prejudices. Because I believe that art has a unique ability to bring people together across borders, and that is why I believe that there can never be enough of such events. “Full festival programme
Contact
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Marek Fischer
marek@brnobudlaska.cz
production & marketing
Salome Bláhová
info@brnobudlaska.cz
production
Matouš Bláha
matous@brnobudlaska.cz
Media contact
Milan Votypka
press@brnobudlaska.cz
We look forward to seeing you!
The Brno Be Love Festival is organised by Witte lijnen, s.r.o. in co-production with KoridorUA and other partners.
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Witte lijnen, s.r.o.
Skřivanova 337/7
602 00 Brno
ID 1960 5803
