Topic: Czechoslovak New Wave

Direction Ján Kadár · Elmar Klos

Cast Josef Kroner · Frantisek Zvarik · Ida Kaminska · Hana Slivkova

Synopsis The Shop on Main Street (1965) follows the story of Tono Briko, a lazy carpenter living in Czechoslovakia during World War II. The Nazis are seizing Jewish-owned businesses, and Tono sees an opportunity to please his family by taking over...

Direction Oldrich Lipský

Cast Vladimir Mensik · Jaroslava Obermajerová · Josef Abrhám · Bohuš Záhorský

Direction Dusan Hanák

Synopsis Pictures of the Old World (1972) stands as an undisputed pinnacle of European documentary filmmaking, distinguished by its profound existential themes. This film provides a stark contrast to the superficiality found in numerous other documentaries that merely present images from...

Direction Karel Kachyna

Cast Iva Janzurová · Jaromír Hanzlík · Ludek Munzar · Vladimír Ptácek

Synopsis Kocár do Vídne (Coach to Vienna) (Carriage to Vienna ) (1966) is a gripping World War II drama that follows the harrowing journey of a young Austrian soldier. Fleeing from the relentless pursuit of the Russian army, he encounters a...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Josef Kemr · Magda Vásáryová · Nada Hejna · Jaroslav Moucka

Synopsis Marketa Lazarová (1967) unfolds in the tumultuous medieval era, where a small Czech tribe faces the wrath of the King. This epic tale is set against the backdrop of a shifting religious landscape, as Christianity begins to supplant Paganism, leading...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Petr Cepek · Jan Kacer · Vera Galatíková · Zdenek Kryzánek

Synopsis Valley of the Bees (1968) follows the journey of Ondrej, a young boy with a unique fascination for bees and bats. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is introduced to his new mother, a woman significantly younger than...

Direction Otakar Vávra

Cast Elo Romancik · Vladimír Smeral · Sona Valentová · Josef Kemr

Synopsis Witchhammer (Witches' Hammer) (1970) delves into the grim era of medieval witch hunts and the brutal inquisition. This film is renowned for its portrayal of the harsh realities faced by those accused of witchcraft during this dark period in history.

Direction Karel Kachyna

Cast Jirina Bohdalová · Radoslav Brzobohatý · Jirí Císler · Miroslav Holub

Synopsis The Ear (1970) follows Ludvik, a Communist official, who returns home with his wife after attending a government event, only to learn that many of his associates have been dismissed. Upon entering his residence, he uncovers that his home is...

Direction Juraj Herz

Cast Vlasta Chramostová · Rudolf Hrusínsky · Jiří Menzel · Ilja Prachar

Synopsis The Cremator (1969) follows the story of Karl, an individual employed at a crematorium in the heart of Prague. Driven by an intense dedication to his work, Karl is convinced that his role extends beyond mere cremation; he sees himself...

Direction Stefan Uher

Cast Marián Bielik · Jana Beláková · Olga Salagová · Pavel Chrobak

Synopsis The Sun in a Net (1962) presents a poetic narrative about the emotional journey of two young individuals who adopt an air of cynicism and societal rejection to conceal their insecurities, inexperience, and apprehension about adult life. This film marks...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Katerina Irmanovová · Anna Pitasová · Karel Smyczek · Vjaceslav Irmanov

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Miroslav Machácek · Vítezslav Vejrazka · Vít Olmer · Cestmír Randa

Synopsis The Devil's Trap (1962) unfolds in the early 1700s, as a priest ventures into a secluded village to probe the whispers that a miller's family, who miraculously escaped a house fire, are consorting with dark forces. The priest's arrival sets...

Direction Jiří Menzel

Cast Václav Neckár · Josef Somr · Vlastimil Brodsky · Vladimír Valenta

Synopsis Closely Watched Trains (1966) unfolds in a small Czech village during World War II, where a naive and clumsy train dispatcher's apprentice seeks to shed his innocence. Unaware of the war and the resistance movements happening around him, this young...

Direction Jan Švankmajer

Cast Ivan Kraus · Juraj Herz

Synopsis The Flat (S) (1968) follows an unassuming individual who finds himself confined within a menacing apartment. Within this eerie setting, the man encounters a series of inexplicable events that defy the conventional laws of nature, creating a chilling and disorienting...

Direction Jirí Weiss

Cast Vít Olmer · Karla Chadimová · Frantisek Smolík · Daniela Smutná

Direction Jirí Weiss

Cast Ivan Mistrík · Daniela Smutná · Jirina Sejbalová · Frantisek Smolík

Synopsis Romeo, Juliet and Darkness (1960) tells the story of Pavel, a young student residing in Prague during the tumultuous year of 1942. He bravely takes it upon himself to conceal a Jewish girl within the attic of his apartment building,...

Direction Vera Chytilová

Cast Jitka Cerhová · Ivana Karbanová · Marie Cesková · Julius Albert

Synopsis Daisies (1966) follows the escapades of two young women, both called Marie, who, disillusioned by the state of the world, choose to embrace a life of indulgence and chaos. They set out on a whirlwind of mischievous and destructive antics,...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Petr Cepek · Emma Cerná · Jan Vostrcil · Jana Krupicková

Synopsis Adelheid (1970) unfolds in the wake of World War II, as a former Czech soldier assumes control of a manor that once belonged to a German family. He develops deep feelings for the daughter of the former owners, who is...

Direction Jan Nemec

Cast Ladislav Jánsky · Antonín Kumbera · Irma Bischofova · Ivan Asic

Synopsis Diamonds of the Night (1964) follows the harrowing journey of two young Jewish individuals who manage to flee from a train that is transporting them between concentration camps. Their escape leads them to be pursued relentlessly by a group of...

Direction Vera Chytilová

Cast Vladimir Bosak · Eva Bosáková · Jirí Kodet · Josef Langmiler