A director must be a policeman, a midwife, a psychoanalyst, a sycophant and a bastard - Billy Wilder
Dear cinema aficionados and friends of Czech movies in particular,
Summer is here and Israel is simmering in the scorching sun. And as with every August, the annual Czech Film Weeks festival is here as well, as hot as ever. Year after year we bring you a selection of the most interesting, gutsy, accomplished, provocative and ambitious Czech films from the past several months.
One thing is clear. In Czech cinematography, something is brewing, there is a breeze of fresh air. A whole new generation of Czech filmmakers is starting to present their visions and ideas, seeing the world through different eyes, with new trends emerging.
We therefore decided to devote this year's edition of Czech Film Weeks to debuts. Except for the opening film - the much awarded Snake Brothers - all movies are by first-time directors. Some went directly for the gold, collecting Czech Academy Awards, like the mysterious yet funny Schmitke, or Home Care, a comedy-drama which was also the Czech Republic's Oscar submission. Other ones show great promise, like the intriguing Laputa, or premiered at class A festivals, for example the modern retelling of the classic scary Czech fairy tale Noonday Witch and the cheeky flick Greedy Tiffany - seemingly superficial and silly, until it grips you and does not let go...
Since we are working hard on closing a coproduction agreement between the Czech Republic and Israel, we are delighted that some such collaborations are already taking place. Thus our selection is complemented by another debut, a documentary about the famous Czech photographer Josef Koudelka by the talented Israeli helmer Gilad Baram.
It is up to you to judge whether Billy Wilder's definition of film directors is correct, but one thing is sure - the works of these young filmmakers will not leave you indifferent. So take your family and friends and make sure to tell them to bring along their families' friends as well and head to the nearest cinematheque. You will not regret it.
Anyway, it is time for me to end this introduction and let the silver screen work its magic.
Enjoy!
Lukas Pribyl
Director
Czech Centre Tel Aviv
