The film, directed by Agnieszka Holland, was a theatrical release version of a three-part mini-series by HBO Europe. The TV version was broadcast on HBO’s European channels, which made it ineligible under the Academy rules that no internet or TV transmission can take place prior to the theatrical release.

The Czech Republic is expected to submit Jiri Menzel’s recently released hit film Donšajni (The Don Juans) from the MediaPro Pictures, the production division of TV group Central European Media Enterprises.