Presented in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, this series offers an invaluable opportunity to see the best of Czech cinema. A mixture of films for the upcoming series reflects the diversity and some of the best cinema of Czech directors. The films delve into interwoven relationships, comedic adventures and love stories, to more serious topics of courage and strength in the wake of adversity. All of the films are in Czech with English subtitles.
Wed, September 8, 8:00 pm:
CHAMPIONS (Mistři)
In this politically incorrect, existential comedy—cravings, love, cheating, and fantasizing all play a part as the World Ice Hockey Championships play out on an old TV in a pub. Karel believes he runs a proper pub and that his wife Zdena loves him. Zdena believes she’s in love with Milan, a bus driver. Josef, who’s darker than the average Czech, believes that he isn’t a Gypsy. Jarda is disappointed with life and his son. The local alcoholic, Bohouš thinks he sees the play-off games before they’re played. Karel and Josef come to believe that Bohouš is their ticket to financial freedom. “We have to root for ourselves, because no one else will root for us!” is argued during a tough moment for the Czech team. All the men agree. In point of fact, each man is rooting only for himself, and “Champions” is their story. Festivals and Awards (selection): Won Czech Lions for Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress (2004). Received the FIPRESCI Prize (2004), among other awards.
Not Rated • 83 min • Dir. Marek Najbrt • in Czech w/ English subtitles
Wed, September 8, 8:00 pm
Wed, October 13, 8:00 pm:
FIMFARUM II
A team of award-winning, stop-motion animators reveals four new fairy tales for adults from the much loved books by Jan Werich. Břetislav Pojar presents Tom Thumb, a picturesque story full of twists and adventures. Aurel Klimt brings three similar brothers to life in Hunchbacks from Damascus, a work which evokes the atmosphere of the Near East and an oriental narrative style. In Three Sisters and One Ring, Vlasta Pospíšilová employs a rustic instruction manual à la The Decameron—how to fool a husband out of a ring. Jan Balej allows brothers Marek and Kouba to explain natural phenomenon and to relive the age-old fairy tale about envy and devils in The Sea, Uncle, Why is it Salty? Festivals and Awards (selection): Received the AniFest prize for Best Feature-Length Film (2006); won a Czech Lion for Best Design Achievement (2006).
Dir. Jan Balej, Aurel Klimt, Vlasta Pospíšilová and Břetislav Pojar
Not Rated • 96 min • in Czech w/ English subtitles
Wed, October 13, 8:00 pm
Wed, November 10, 8:00 pm:
KAWASAKI’S ROSE
Pavel Josek, an eminent scientist and former dissident, is due to receive a state honor for bravery. He is loved by his wife and adored by his daughter Lucie. During the filming of a television documentary about his life, it comes to light that at the beginning of the 1970s—under pressure from the secret police—he played a part in the discrediting of a former friend, who was ultimately forced to emigrate. The family drama sheds light on the practices employed by the secret police to discredit its opponents. Meanwhile, Lucie discovers secrets of her father’s past that may change her life forever. Festivals and Awards (selection): Awarded the Ecumenical Jury Prize and the C.I.C.A.E. Award at the Berlin International Film Festival (2010). Received Czech Lion Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress (2009).
Dir. Jan Hřebejk • Not Rated • 100 min • in Czech w/ English subtitles
Wed, November 10, 8:00 pm
Wed, December 8, 8:00 pm:
DREAMERS (Zoufalci)
Thirtysomethings Linda, Radim, Tonda, Otakar, Dagmara, and Silvie have been friends since they met as teenagers. All of them arrived in the big city, Prague, from their small home town. Their euphoric dreams have not materialized, and they feel trapped in different ways. They all seem to know one thing: what they don’t want in life. At a party back in their home town they reminisce over one of their early dreams: to buy a farm, live together, and have fun with their lives. In the weeks that follow, each of them is faced with a crisis that brings this old dream into sharper, more sober focus. Can they make their dream a reality? Festivals and Awards (selection): The film was officially selected for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2010), among other festivals.
Dir. Jitka Rudolfová • Not Rated • 97 min • in Czech w/ English subtitles
Wed, December 8, 8:00 pm
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Please help take us to the top. Join your friends and neighbors who have contributed to the "Give Us a Lift" initiative so we can install an elevator in 2011.
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