One World festival 2026: University experts to lead discussions on conflict, history, and AI

The One World Festival returns to Pilsen in April and experts from the UWB will play a significant role in the program. In a series of debates, they will offer an academic perspective on current social and geopolitical challenges, thereby complementing screenings of human rights documentaries.

The Pilsen edition of the One World International human rights film festival will once again focus on combining documentary films with expert discussions. Academics from the Faculty of Arts at the University of West Bohemia will play a key role in the accompanying program, offering audiences insights into topics ranging from international politics and historical contexts to the impact of artificial intelligence on education.

According to the organizers, it is precisely the presence of university experts that makes the Pilsen festival unique. “In an era of misinformation and snap judgments, critical thinking and professional expertise are more important than ever. We are convinced that the humanities and social sciences enable a better understanding of today’s world—whether it concerns human rights in authoritarian regimes or the ethics of artificial intelligence,” adds David Šanc, one of the panelists at the festival and Vice-Dean for Strategy and External Relations at the Faculty of Arts, University of West Bohemia.

In addition to political scientist David Šanc, the discussions will also feature historian and Japanologist Roman Kodet and Middle East expert Ivan Ramadan. The discussions will take place following selected screenings at cultural venues in Pilsen, including the Polan Hall at the library and Moving Station. However, some films will also be shown at the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art.

The highlight of this year’s collaboration will be a panel discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education. Panelists, including both academics and students, will explore how new technologies are transforming the university environment and whether they can fundamentally change the nature of traditional academic work. The discussion will feature Přemysl Brada, a computer scientist and expert from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Petr Jurek, head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the Faculty of Arts, and Barbora Škampová, a student in the Philosophy for AI program. The panel discussion is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, at Měšťanská beseda, and admission is free. However, the organizers note that the venue has limited capacity and recommend reserving seats in advance.

The complete festival program is available on the One World Pilsen website. The festival invites the public not only to watch films but, above all, to engage in discussions on topics shaping the contemporary world.