The International Film Festival (IFF) Art Film is already preparing for its 32nd edition, which will take place from 19 to 25 June 2026 in Košice. For the second time in its history, the festival will also present the honorary Milan Lasica Award. This distinction will be awarded in memoriam to one of the most prominent figures of Slovak cinema, actor Vladislav Müller.
Established in 2025, the Milan Lasica Award pays tribute to legends of Slovak film acting and continues the legacy of the festival’s long-time president, the unforgettable Milan Lasica. “It is both an honor and a commitment for us to carry on Milan Lasica’s legacy and to remember the acting personalities who have shaped our cinematography,” said the festival’s artistic director Martin Palúch. The first recipient of the award in 2025 was Ivan Mistrík.
According to Palúch, Vlado Müller is an iconic figure of Slovak film acting: “Not only because of his imposing physique, but above all thanks to his unique and passionate acting style. He always created the psychological dimensions of dramatic characters with deep emotional intensity. He was like a volcano—effortlessly captivating with explosive energy, yet equally capable of expressing calm, kind-hearted warmth. Müller’s versatility has left an indelible and profound mark on audiences through a wide range of distinctive roles in film, television, and theatre.”
Vladislav Müller (1936–1996) was one of the pillars of modern Slovak acting. His artistry was defined by exceptional psychological depth, a powerful stage presence, and a compelling voice that enabled him to portray complex, internally conflicted characters. After completing professional theatre training in Bratislava and working in theatres in Nitra and Martin, he joined Nová scéna in Bratislava in 1966, where he remained until 1990.
He made his film debut in 1960, but his breakthrough came through collaboration with directing duo Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos. Their film The Defendant (1964), in which Müller played the lead role, won the Crystal Globe at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and launched his rise to stardom. He also delivered memorable performances in films such as The Copper Tower (1970), Eagle Feather (1971), and especially the war drama Signum Laudis (1980), where his portrayal of Corporal Hoferik ranks among the highlights of Czechoslovak cinema. In 1979, he was awarded the title of Merited Artist.
His career was prematurely ended by a serious theatre accident in 1990. Vlado Müller, father of well-known singer Richard Müller, passed away in 1996 at the age of 60. By awarding the Milan Lasica Award, IFF Art Film commemorates his exceptional talent and lasting contribution to Slovak culture.
“I am honored to accept the award on behalf of my father, especially because it bears the name of Milan Lasica—a person I admired throughout my life and with whom I also recorded an album. My father always put a part of himself into his characters, and this also applies to the film I selected from his rich filmography for the festival programme— Custom-tailored Death,” said Richard Müller, who will accept the Milan Lasica Award on behalf of his father.
