Vánoční království

A fairy tale for hearing-impaired children and their parents, performed by deaf actors in sign language. The deaf community has enjoyed significant support from Czech Television for many years thanks to interpreted programs and closed captioning. This year, the magazine Televizní klub neslyšících (Deaf Television Club) is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The creators of this club program have therefore decided to dedicate this year's final episode to deaf children and their parents. The result is the fairy tale Vánoční království (The Christmas Kingdom), performed by deaf actors in sign language, a fairy tale that is understandable not only to the hearing impaired, but thanks to dubbing, will appeal to all children. Above all, it shows that even hearing-impaired people have a sense of humor, are great actors, and can delight anyone who loves cheerful stories and a fairy-tale atmosphere. It shows that the worlds of the deaf and the hearing are closer than many of us think.

Directed by Alena Derzsiová, Vánoční království leans on a strong ensemble — Zlatuše Kurcová, Markéta Maradová, Antonín Zralý — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about fantasy titles of 2015.