In autumn 2024, we launched the pilot edition of the Matchmaking Inspiration Forum (IF) at the Ji.hlava Festival. We connected documentary filmmakers with scientists from various disciplines, creating a space for initial meetings, idea-sharing, and the formation of new interdisciplinary connections.
Twelve research teams—from historians of science to media studies experts—applied to the programme. Thirty-six matchmaking sessions took place during the festival and in the following weeks. These meetings resulted in early drafts of future collaborations and identified new topics for further exploration.
Each team had the opportunity to apply for financial support to develop their project further. All twelve teams submitted proposals, and one project was awarded a grant of 100,000 CZK from the IOCB Tech Foundation.
Take a look at the collaborations that emerged last year.
What did the participants say?
“The focused meeting with scientists opened new horizons for me.”
“It was a great nudge that gave us motivation.”
“Matchmaking has created connections that lead to other projects.”
What’s next?
We will publish a call for the second edition of the Matchmaking IF programme in summer 2025. Both scientific teams and documentary filmmakers are welcome to apply. We are looking for individuals who are eager to explore new avenues and are not afraid to start with as little as an idea.
Our aim is to build a long-term community of scientists and filmmakers to popularise science through audiovisual production and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Winning Project 2024: Chemistry in Context
The history of chemistry as a key to understanding the world of today.
The project Chemistry in Context—a forthcoming documentary series linking the history of chemistry with current societal challenges—received financial support. Eight episodes will connect scientific discoveries with topics such as energy, medicine, and the environment.
The project is led by science communicator Oldřich Hudeček from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, and director Ivo Bystřičan. The series is being developed in collaboration with researchers from the Academy of Sciences, historians, archivists, and visual specialists. The creators plan to establish a co-production with Czech Television and work with the National Film Archive.
“We want to show chemistry as a force that has shaped our world and continues to shape the future.”
Creative Team
Oldřich Hudeček
Science communicator with research experience in organic chemistry and chemical biology. In this project, he bridges the research community and the film world, providing professional expertise.
Ivo Bystřičan
Director and screenwriter of documentary films, long engaged in connecting science and society. His projects include Industrie, Czech Republic on Drugs, and the audiovisual component of the research project This is What We've Been Through.
The Inspiration Forum Matchmaking is supported by the IOCB Tech Foundation.
Published 15.01.2025