The film festival, which has long been introducing European cinema to Canadian audiences, was held this year in celebration of a significant anniversary, as the Canadian Film Institute commemorates 90 years since its founding in 1935. To celebrate this anniversary, the Czech side chose to screen the film "Franz."

The screening was opened by Martin Tlapa, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Canada, who emphasized the importance of Czech literature and cinema in his opening speech. The film Franz was chosen because Franz Kafka can be considered one of the most influential literary authors of the 20th century, whose works have influenced world literature, art, and philosophy, including Canada, with their international reach.

Immediately after the screening, positive feedback from the audience was heard in the discussions that followed in the foyer. The reactions highlighted the emotional depth of the film, which stemmed not only from the fact that world-renowned director Agniezska Holland conveyed Kafka's childhood and adolescence to the audience in the film. Many also appreciated that the film underscores the timelessness of themes that touch on human identity and the search for meaning, which are universally valid.