Past Events
21.07.2011 / 17:01 | Aktualizováno: 22.02.2012 / 16:46
(This article expired 22.07.2011 / 02:00.)
Please SCROLL DOWN for a complete listing of events for this season - from July to December 2011! We look forward to seeing you at our events. If you would like to subscribe to cultural mailing list, please write to cul_washington@embassy.mzv.cz.
JULY - DECEMBER 2011 (scroll down)
July 13, 2011, 8 pm
Lions of Czech Film Series: I'm All Good (U mě dobrý)
DIR: Jan Hřebejk, 2008, 100 min, in Czech with English subtitles
Tonda and his companion Andula run a pub called At the Ferryman's. Pub-goer Kája, whose marriage is on the rocks because of his gambling, plays cards at the pub with his friends. Besides a security guard, he has saved a pretty penny by posing as a chimney sweep for newlywed photos. Now, he wants to use the money to take his wife on a long-promised seaside vacation, a promise that could breathe new life into their relationship. In a moment of weakness, Kája loses all of his savings. Scared of losing his wife, he requests the help of his pub friends.
Festivals and Awards: Film screened at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, among others. At the Festival of European Film Smile, the film won the Best Czech Film Award (2008). Also, at the Newtown Pot of Laughter Festival (Czech film comedy festival), the film was awarded Best Director and Best Artistic Adaptation.
Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org
August 10, 2011, 8 pm
Lions of Czech Film Series: 3 Seasons in Hell (Tři sezóny v pekle)
DIR: Tomáš Mašín, 2009, 110 min, in Czech with English subtitles
Ivan Heinz, a good-looking dandy with a provocative sense of humor, has just turned 19. Running away from home, he devotes himself to the celebration of freedom, revolutionary politics, and artistic aspiration. Ivan writes poetry and throws himself headlong into a destructive romance with independent, bisexual Jana. The two lovers lead a life peppered with inspiring erotic games, arguments, and explosive laughter, all against a backdrop of 1940s dance music and political change. As the new communist regime begins to reveal its oppressive side, Ivan and Jana remain blind to the looming danger. Thumbing their noses at work, they support themselves through petty theft. Weaving fantastic visions of their future, they plan their escape to Paris, until they are confronted by the regime.
Festivals and Awards: The film received Czech Lion Awards (2010) for Best Actor, Best Sound, and Best Cinematography. It was selected to compete in the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film was also presented at the 54th BFI London Film Festival, Reykjavik IFF, Pusan IFF, the Sevilla IFF, and received the Don Quijote Award (FICC Jury Award) at Tallin Black Nights (PÖFF).
Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org
September 14, 2011, 8 pm
Lions of Czech Film Series: A Walk Worthwhile (Dobře placená procházka)
DIR: Miloš Forman, 2009, 85 min, in Czech with English subtitles
Uli and Vanilka are getting a divorce. They are in the middle of sorting out snags in the divorce proceedings with their attorney when a postman delivers two mysterious telegrams from Liverpool. Vanilka's rich aunt has decided to bequeath to the couple's future child one million pounds. In the wake of this news, Vanilka, Uli, and the others engage in various wily amorous capers with the aim of securing this untold wealth for themselves.
Festivals and Awards: The film was premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2009.
Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org
October 12, 2011, 8 pm
Lions of Czech Film Series: Havel's Leaving (Odcházení)
DIR: Václav Havel, 2011, 95 min., in Czech with English subtitles
The film maps the last two days of Rieger's stay in a villa, before he is finally evicted. Those present are chiefly the residents of the villa, the secretaries making an inventory of the contents, and visitors from outside.. They are either Vlasta and Albín or Jack and Bob, who are preparing an interview, or Bea. With each succeeding scene, the situation gradually goes from bad to worse. Irena loses her respect for Rieger, particularly after she catches him with Bea in the gazebo. Vlasta not only goes back on her proposal to offer a roof but even proposes a change to Rieger's will. The journalists turn out to be in the pay of the gutter press which won't print Rieger's replies to political questions, but focuses solely on his private life. Therefore, his departure from public life is cast in a disreputable light.
Festivals and Awards: The theatre adaptation won the Alfred Radok award for the best play in 2009. The film was so far shown at the Berlinale festival, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and Moscow International Film Festival.
Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org
November 9, 2011, 8 pm
Lions of Czech Film Series: Walking Too Fast (Pouta)
DIR: Radim Špaček, 2010, 95 min, in Czech with English subtitles
Set in Czechoslovakia in 1982, secret police officer Antonín, who is uneasy, tyrannical, perhaps even psychopathic, percolates with unvoiced anger and desperation. Bored with everything, he aims his demons at a seemingly clear but in fact unattainable target - a young woman named Klára. It is not love, not passion, but a burning desire for the illusion of escape from the clutches of drabness and boredom. Antonín's absurd attempt to win Klára pits him against not only the regime's traditional enemies but also his own people and the system itself. When he breaks the rules of the organization he serves, it is neither a civic gesture nor a political one. It is rebellion, purely personal and wholly savage.
Festivals and Awards: The film received several Czech Lions for 2010 (Best Picture, Director, Actor in Leading Role, Screenplay, Camera), out of 12 nominations.
Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org
December 14, 2011, 8 pm
Lions of Czech Film Series: Men in Rut (Muži v říji)
DIR: Robert Sedláček, 2009, 114 min, in Czech with English subtitles
Mouřínov, a little Moravian village in the middle of nowhere, is so remote that even the road ends there. Due to the inhabitants longing to be on a thoroughfare, they develop a plan to obtain a rather large amount of asphalt to extend the road. Their key to success is meant to be Franta, an introverted smart aleck who is also the national deer-calling champion. They believe their only chance of getting their road is to hold the European championship in their village with the prime minister as a guest. The mayor prepares his diplomatic mission and Franta falls in love. When Franta refuses to compete, will the town succeed in obtaining its dream?
Festivals and Awards: The film appeared at the Mannheim and Heidelberg festival (Germany), Newtown Pot of Laughter Festival and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org