Who was František Klišík? Czech documentary subject dies at 62 in drowning incident after film's Karlovy Vary win

František Klišík was a real-life hermit, poet, and former dissident whose life story became the subject of the award-winning documentary, Better Go Mad in the Wild. He was found dead on the morning of Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a pond in the town of Ohrobec near the Czech capital, Prague, according to Screen Daily.

The news of his death comes just one day after the documentary, Better Go Mad in the Wild, won the Grand Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. He had attended the festival on Thursday, July 10, and was later missing.

He was then found drowned. Klišík was 62 years old at the time of his death.

More about František Klišík's documentary winning at the Karlovy Vary Festival

František Klišík is one of the twin brothers at the heart of the documentary Better Go Mad in the Wild. The documentary is about František and his twin brother Ondřej Klišík, who choose to live together in the remote Šumava Mountains.

The documentary is best known for capturing their unique lifestyle, which revolves around writing poetry, hosting small gatherings, raising animals, and exploring the emotional dynamics of their fraternal bond. In the late 1980s, he lived in Prague for a short period and had connected with Czech underground figures like Jan Patočka. He then joined the Movement for Civil Liberty.

On July 12, 2025, the documentary won the Crystal Globe at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival during its closing ceremony. The film had premiered on July 10, 2025, marking its world debut, and two days later, it was awarded Czech-Slovakia’s top honor at the festival.

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František's death comes at a time when he had returned to public life and at the height of public recognition, after he had spent years in isolation. His legacy lies in his authentic lifestyle, which included living off the grid and embracing poetry. His life and documentary, both had recieved widespread praise.

As per Prague Morning, the police spokesperson, Michaela Richterová, said that there were no signs of foul play, and the investigation remains open and ongoing.

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