The documentary “Two Poppy Farmers Against a Beetle” (original German title: “Zwei Mohnbauern gegen einen Käfer”) has won the Czech-German Journalism Prize 2025 in the multimedia category. The documentary was filmed with two members of the association – at Mareks’ Farm in Únanov and with František Pospíšil from Mezholez, as well as during a field day in Krucemburk.
The documentary was broadcast by the Franco-German television channel ARTE and offers an authentic look at the cultivation of a traditional crop threatened by weather fluctuations, drought, and pests – particularly weevils. It also shows the journey of farmers who are searching for more ecological cultivation methods while trying to preserve poppy as part of national tradition and cultural heritage.
The award ceremony can be viewed on Czech Television’s website. The announcement of this particular award can be found at timestamp 1h 43m 30s – 1h 47m 10s. If you want to hear the words of the awarded documentary filmmaker, start from 1h 34m.
The association thanks everyone who participated in creating the documentary and promoting Czech poppy – especially Mareks’ Farm and František Pospíšil and his family. Their openness and willingness to allow filming contributed to bringing the beautiful and true story of Czech “blue gold” to an international audience.
The documentary can be provided upon request – © TV ARTE
Photos from the documentary filming:
