Slovak Composer Criticizes Czech Cultural Minister at Film Awards

Slovak composer Jonatán Pastirčák sparked controversy at the Czech Lion film awards in Prague over the weekend when he criticized Czech Culture Minister Martin Klempíř during his acceptance speech. Pastirčák, who won his second Czech Lion award for his music composition for the film "Chormaster," used the platform to draw parallels between Klempíř's policies and those of Slovak Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, suggesting that many Czechs fail to recognize the similarities. The composer, known professionally as Isama Zing and Pjoni, has become one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Czech-Slovak film music, having also worked on widely discussed films including "Summer School," "2001," and "Father" last year. His comments created the most talked-about moment of the awards ceremony, highlighting growing concerns about cultural policy directions in both countries.