Czechoslovak New Wave

From June 28 to July 1, the DCCC cinema will host screenings of Czechoslovak New Wave films.

In the mid-20th century, Czech cinema went through a period of stagnation amid political shifts in the country. World War II, the German occupation, and the subsequent rise of the communist regime led to the nationalization of the film industry. From then on, the state became the sole film producer, weaponizing cinema as a tool for propaganda.

Everything began to change only after the death of Stalin. The easing of censorship during the so-called Khrushchev Thaw paved the way for a new generation of filmmakers, who would soon give rise to the Czechoslovak New Wave.

Young directors turned to surrealism, neorealism, and other avant-garde movements, striving to capture the daily lives of ordinary citizens and marginalized groups navigating the absurdity of the system. Harnessing symbolism and irony, they crafted countercultural films that mirrored society's yearning for political change.

Long dialogues, dark and absurd humor, and the casting of non-professional actors became the defining hallmarks of the Czechoslovak New Wave. The films frequently explored themes of distorted societal morals, generational conflict, and the passionate, chaotic romances of youth.

This new generation of creators could have continued to reshape Czechoslovak cinema, experimenting further with forms and subjects. However, this artistic evolution was cut short by the 1968 Soviet invasion and the onset of "normalization"—a period of repressive measures following the brutal crushing of the Prague Spring.

Directors like Miloš Forman, Pavel Juráček, Jan Němec, and Ivan Passer fled the country. Those who stayed faced severe censorship and were banned from filmmaking, like Evald Schorm, or had to work under immense pressure and restrictions, like Věra Chytilová and Jiří Menzel. Several films were altogether banned—"shelved" and hidden from the public until the Velvet Revolution and the election of Václav Havel as President of Czechoslovakia in late 1989.

From June 28 to July 1, you can watch iconic Czech films from the Czechoslovak New Wave at the DCCC cinema.

Program:

• Closely Watched Trains — Jiří Menzel

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• Daisies — Věra Chytilová

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• Black Peter — Miloš Forman

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• Case for a Rookie Hangman — Pavel Juráček

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Admission is free upon registration.

Language: Czech with Ukrainian subtitles.

The program kicks off on June 28 with an opening event, where representatives from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ukraine will share deeper insights into the films and the phenomenon of the Czechoslovak New Wave.

The screenings are organized in partnership with the Office of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ukraine.