Look forward to the latest in Czech cinema from the international festival circuit and beyond. This year’s highlight is an exclusive new documentary about the final few years of the playwright, dissident and later President Václav Havel.
Film venues: ICA, Regent Street Cinema, The Garden Cinema, The Gate, and the Czech Embassy cinema at the Czech Centre + online
The year marks the 35th anniversary since the Velvet Revolution that ousted the Communist regime and brought on democracy. So it offers a perfect opportunity to honour the leading figure of the revolution, the playwright and dissident turn President Václav Havel with the UK premiere of Petr Jančárek’s documentary Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me?
On Havel’s invitation, the filmmaker was granted unlimited access and creative freedom to capture the last few years of his life. The result is an extraordinary time-lapse documentary reflecting on Havel’s political legacy and universal human issues with absolute openness through previously unseen footage.
Screens at ICA on Thursday 14 November, followed by Q&A with director Petr Jančárek.
Additional highlights include the gripping true-life Cold War drama Brothers, chosen as the Czech Republic’s entry for the 2023 Academy Awards;
The UK premiere of Our Lovely Pig Slaughter, a comedy debut by director Adam Martinec and winner of A Special Award at Karlovy Vary International Festival 2024;
UK premiere of Waltzing Matilda, a tragicomic family drama that takes its title from Tom Waits’ song celebrating resilience.