The full-length animated feature, "The Proud Princess," is scheduled for a major cinematic debut on November 7, 2025. This highly anticipated film serves as a sophisticated, contemporary interpretation of a legendary Czech fairy tale that first captivated audiences back in 1952. The ambitious project was meticulously guided by directors Radek Beran and David Lisi, culminating after an extensive and demanding five-year production cycle. A significant portion of this timeline—specifically fifteen months—was dedicated exclusively to the intricate process of animation and rendering, highlighting the commitment to quality. The creative team was determined to inject this deeply cherished national narrative with a fresh, modern aesthetic, utilizing cutting-edge 3D animation technology while simultaneously ensuring that the inherent nostalgic charm and fundamental spirit of the original story remained intact for both new and returning viewers.
The central conflict of the story revolves around the noble and youthful protagonist, King Benjamin. When his initial, heartfelt proposal of marriage is summarily dismissed by the haughty and capricious Princess Karolina, the King resolves to take extraordinary measures to win her over. He executes a bold maneuver: completely disguising his royal identity and assuming the role of a humble gardener. Working diligently within the expansive castle gardens, King Benjamin endeavors to bypass her prideful defenses. He seeks to earn her affection not through the influence of his crown, but through the consistent demonstration of sincere kindness and the captivating power of music. This classic tale, which draws its inspiration directly from Božena Němcová’s enduring literary work "Pride Punished," offers a timeless moral lesson concerning the triumph of virtue and justice, illustrating how these forces can profoundly transform even the most obstinate and cold-hearted individual into a compassionate one.
This production quickly scaled into a significant international collaboration, demonstrating the universal appeal of the source material beyond Central Europe. The effort successfully united a large, diverse team comprising 45 professional animators and 101 skilled artists, drawing talent from countries across Europe and Asia, specifically Spain, France, and India. Producer Jiří Miku commented that the broad international interest was fueled by the universal resonance of the film’s core themes—such as humility, love, and redemption—as well as its unique visual style. This aesthetic is particularly effective in its vibrant and accurate depiction of characteristic Czech landscapes and architecture. Furthermore, the new adaptation introduces several animal characters. Though they remain silent, these creatures play an active and meaningful role in advancing the plot and providing subtle comic relief. The film’s rich musical landscape, crafted by composers Ondřej Brzobohatý and Ondřej Brousek, features the inclusion of the classic Czech melody "Rozvíjej se poupátko" (Bloom, Little Bud), further bridging the gap between modern technology and cultural tradition.
The film has already secured substantial critical and commercial success in its home market, proving its resonance with contemporary audiences. In Czech cinemas alone, "The Proud Princess" attracted an audience exceeding 100,000 viewers during its initial two weeks of release, cementing its status as a major domestic hit. Capitalizing on this strong performance, the film has finalized distribution agreements in more than 20 territories across the globe. This impressive list of international markets includes key European countries like Spain, Poland, and Greece, extending its reach into distant regions such as South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. This widespread international rollout is instrumental in elevating Czech animation onto the world stage, providing global audiences with a high-quality, positive choice for family entertainment that honors classic storytelling traditions while showcasing modern production capabilities.