The founding member of the Eco-Investment holding group Milan Fiľo uses his philanthropic activities to support art and culture in Czechia and Slovakia. For example, he is behind the complex reconstruction of the Břevnov Monastery, as well as the continued life of the Hybernia Theatre. He also participated in the funding of the documentary movie Karel from director Olga Malířová Špátová, which offered a unique insight into the private life of the popular singer and captured the attention of many viewers in Czechia as well as Slovakia.
What gave you the idea to fund a movie about Karel Gott? Did you have a personal relationship with him?
I dare say our relationship evolved into a genuine friendship, in those last couple of years before his death. We even went on vacation together. I remember each and every moment with him, and these memories of him will forever remain in my heart. I’ve admired Maestro Gott my whole life, which is one of the reasons why I decided to support the shooting of the movie Karel. It combines two of my greatest passions and ambitions: art and the support of it, and preserving Karel’s legacy for everyone, forever.
You have a vested interest in art, culture, but also history. You financed the repairs of the Břevnov Monastery, the rebuilding of a wing of the Hybernia Palace won an award, you own the Hybernia Theatre itself...
We’re very proud of the Hybernia Palace and winning the Building of the Year 2021 award. Since purchasing the property in 2016, we’ve succeeded at proposing and then realizing an extraordinary project, while also preserving its historical value, respecting its unique nature, and providing an exceptional architectural and technological solution. A large part of the outside appearance of the historical building was kept in its original state during the restoration. The new extension is oriented towards the square, while standing apart from the historical section, only connected to it via glass bridges. It’s meant to serve as a contrast to the original building both in shape and its technological and structural layout. Large-format surfaces of clear glass, cut duralumin, or a purposefully visible ferroconcrete staircase, all dominate the exterior of the extension.
You even won the prestigious international Trebbia Award for your support of art and culture. What does it mean to you?
I treasure it greatly. To me, it was a confirmation that investing in culture makes sense even in these hectic times. That’s why I intend to keep doing just that. I want there to be a legacy for the next generations, and it’s a shame to let old buildings fall into disrepair. That’s one of the reasons I decided to support the reconstruction of the Břevnov Monastery, which is very close to my heart.
One of the main areas of your business ventures includes the paper industry. What part of it exactly do you work in?
All my business ventures are covered by the Eco-Investment holding group. It holds a share in the Mondi SCP paper group in Ružomberok. The holding group further comprises the paper company SHP Group, and the Slovenian Paloma plant, which manufactures paper tissues and other personal hygiene products. Eco-Investment also actively participates in the food industry, real estate, wood industry, and telecommunications. In Czechia, it also co-owns a modern sawmill in Štětí.
CV
Milan Fiľo (born August 21, 1967, in Brezno) is a Slovak businessman and philanthropist. He’s pursued philanthropy his entire life, especially when it comes to supporting culture, art, education, and healthcare.
He contributed a great deal to the founding of the Catholic University in Ružomberok, and he supports its educational and scientific activities to this day.
The Ružomberok paper mill Mondi SCP, which he owns via his Eco-Investment holding group, is among the top employers in the Dolný Liptov region. Aside from education, Fiľo’s companies also offer a great deal of support to the Central Military Hospital, sports clubs, and senior homes.
He is also the founder and sponsor of the SUPRA Foundation, which helps current and former employees of paper mills and their families. He also supports the Ružomberčan Civic Association, connecting over 7000 inhabitants of Dolný Liptov.
Fiľo also contributes to the activities of the St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work in Bratislava and has financed the building of several hospitals in Africa and Cambodia. He’s been a long-term supporter of the Slovak Paralympic Committee and other non-profit organizations.
He was friends with Karel Gott.
New construction of the building in Hybernská.
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