Olga Sommerová’s Documentary ‘Let Only Half of the Heart Cry’ to Premiere on Czech Television

Czech filmmaker Olga Sommerová’s new documentary, Let Only Half of the Heart Cry, will premiere this Tuesday, March 17, 2026, on Czech Television’s ČT2. The film explores the experiences of families caring for children with serious illnesses and the work of the Vlček Family Foundation in developing palliative care in the Czech Republic.

Documentary Focus and Production

The documentary focuses on the Vlček Family Foundation’s efforts to build a hospice in the Cibulka estate in Kosir, providing care for seriously ill children. Sommerová and her daughter, Olga Malířová, who served as the cameraman, interviewed numerous families with similar experiences, obtaining their consent to share their stories. The film also highlights the work of the pediatric oncology team at Motol Hospital and the Cesta domú hospice.

Sommerová’s Inspiration and Personal Connection

Sommerová stated her motivation for creating the documentary stemmed from her admiration for the Vlčkovy family and their foundation. She emphasized the respect and empathy brought to the filming process. Reflecting on the stories shared by parents who have lost children, Sommerová noted their resilience and strength. She also drew upon her own family’s experience with loss, having lost two sons herself, which inspired her earlier film, We Survived Our Children (2006).

The Vlček Family Foundation’s Impact

In 2025, the Vlček Family Foundation distributed nearly 76 million Czech crowns in contributions to support the development of children’s palliative care, initiating 80 new projects. The foundation received approximately 12 million crowns in donations from 713 donors. Their initiatives include new educational programs, scholarships for students in relevant fields, support for expert internships, and strengthening the capacity of care providers.

Cibulka Estate Development

The first renovated building on the Cibulka estate, the Gardener’s House, including a café and playground, is now open to the public, professionals, and families. The foundation is also launching an outreach service to provide home health care, personal assistance, and social counseling to families caring for seriously ill children.

Future Plans

Due to the extensive material gathered during filming and the ongoing development of the Cibulka estate, Let Only Half of the Heart Cry is planned as a multi-part project. A second part will be created once the Cibulka estate is fully operational and welcoming families.

Palliative Care in the Czech Republic

According to Czech Television, thousands of individuals across the country provide care for loved ones with disabilities or serious illnesses daily.