Presented by Big Day Pictures , Vaclav Havel School of Dallas and Sokol Dallas, Czech That Film Texas annually brings the best of Czech contemporary cinema to Texas.
The festival is committed to exhibiting films that not only expose participants to Czech culture, but also enlighten audiences, bring people together, and present inspired entertainment for all. Normally traveling to 20 cities in the USA and Canada over the last decade, Austin and Dallas will be the only cities presenting in-person screenings.
HAVEL
Friday, April 16th, 7:30 PM (Reception from 645pm)
Directed by Slávek Horák who visited Dallas in 2018 for his film Home Care (Domácí péce).
Released in 2020, ‘Havel’ traces the irony and absurdity of Václav Havel’s metamorphosis from celebrated playwright to banned and jailed human rights activist to the president of Czechoslovakia. The film is a highly acclaimed look at a talented yet complicated man who stood up to Eastern Bloc rule and won, eventually leading the country he helped free from totalitarian governance. Acclaimed biopic on Czech dissident playwright president Václav Havel. Trailer here
CHARLATAN
Saturday, April 17th, 7:30 PM
Directed by Agnieska Holland – Academy Award-nominated director also know for House of Cards, The Wire, & Treme
Short-listed for Academy Award – Best International Film + 5 Czech Oscars – Best Film, Director, Actor, Cinematography & Sound
Inspired by the true story of herbalist Jan Mikolasek, who dedicated his life to caring for the sick in spite of the immense obstacles he faced in his private and public life. Born at the turn of the 20th century, Mikolasek wins fame and fortune using unorthodox treatment methods to cure a wide range of diseases. One after the other, every regime will want to use his skills and in return gives him protection. But how high shall be the costs to maintain this status as the tide turns? Trailer here
ALCHEMICAL FURNACE
Sunday, April 18th, 3 PM
Documentary directed by Adam Oľha, Jan Daňhel Featuring legendary surrealist stop motion animation filmmaker Jan Švankmajer
Great influence on Terry Gilliam, Brothers Quay, and more.
Jan Švankmajer at 85 years of age is one of the most prominent artists of European cinema. His work has inspired and guided generations of directors and his work represents a sharp and merciless exploration of human nature which is entirely unique. Films such as Alice, Faust, and Little Otik changed forever the image of stop-motion and opened a world of possibilities in terms of the representation of the inner self. Over three years, directors Adam Oľha and Jan Daňhel followed the life of Jan Švankmajer, from his collaboration with an old friend and producer Jaromír Kallista to his memory of Eva Švankmajerová, his wife and creative partner, muse and inseparable another half of the director. Shot on various film formats, using found footage and with a touch of Czech humor, Alchemical Furnace is an ode to creation and to companionship.Trailer here
Price
- $10
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