The Czech women’s national hockey team takes center ice in a new documentary that charts their path through a defining season. Respect Her Game (Holky na led) follows the players on and off the rink as they prepare for the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, hosted in the Czech Republic for the first time. The film opens in Czech cinemas on Oct. 16 through distributor Bontonfilm.
Directed by Tereza Vejvodová and Veronika Donutková, the 85-minute documentary blends the intensity of international competition with an intimate look inside the team’s locker room. From grueling training sessions to candid moments of camaraderie, the filmmakers capture the determination of athletes challenging expectations in a sport still widely perceived as male-dominated in Czechia.
“I believe that when you have a determined group of girls who are bold and confident, prejudice stops existing,” said team general manager Tereza Sadilová.
Respect Her Game documents a season unlike any in Czech women’s hockey history. The film follows the national team as it trains and competes toward the milestone of hosting the women’s world championship in České Budějovice, where sellout crowds celebrated the country’s growing presence on the global stage. Authentic footage reveals the daily grind of top-level hockey—early practices, travel demands, and the emotional highs and lows of elite competition.
Rather than focusing solely on the scoreboard, Vejvodová and Donutková emphasize the human stories that define the sport. Viewers witness how players juggle personal lives with the rigors of professional training and confront the cultural barriers that have long shaped perceptions of hockey as a men’s game.
“We wanted to show not only the journey from preparation to the championship but also the pillars on which women’s hockey stands,” Vejvodová explained when announcing the project.
Produced by Julie Marková Žáčková, whose previous film Occupation earned Czech Film Critics’ awards and 13 Czech Lion nominations, Respect Her Game benefits from a seasoned creative team. Donutková also served as cinematographer, bringing an insider’s eye to the fast-paced action on the ice.
The film features music by Sára Vondrášková, known professionally as Never Sol, and editing by Aleš Valtr, helping shape a narrative that balances sports drama with broader social commentary.
Support from partners including Czech Ice Hockey, Škoda Auto, and Seznam.cz enabled the filmmakers to document the entire season in real time. While the film celebrates athletic achievement, it also highlights a larger shift in Czech sports culture. By showcasing the players’ perseverance and skill, the documentary aims to inspire future generations of athletes and challenge lingering stereotypes about women in hockey.
Respect Her Game opens wide in Czech cinemas on Oct. 16 after advance screenings at local festivals. Its release comes as women’s hockey continues to gain global recognition, offering audiences an unfiltered look at the passion and progress driving the game forward.
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