The Stanford Czech Film Series 2010-11

Introduction and Commentary by Jara Dusatko
Lecturer in Czech, Stanford Special Language Program

All screenings will take place in the Language Corner, Building 260 (Pigott Hall), Room 113,
starting at 7:00pm

All films shown with English subtitles
Co-sponsored by the Special Language Program, and SOKOL S.F. Inc.
Free and open to the public

November 5th: Kdyby tisíc klarinetů / If a Thousand Clarinets
1964; directed by Ján Roháč, and Vladimír Svitáček; 130 minutes
A soldier deserts a military base and takes refuge in a school. During the chase, all guns in the area change into music instruments, and the military base soon becomes a stage for a huge TV show.  Many famous actors and singers of the ‘60s perform in this musical. (Musical/Sci-Fi)

December 3rd: Protektor / Protector
2009; directed by Marek Najbrt; 102 minutes
A Czech journalist joins a Prague radio station that broadcasts Nazi propaganda in order to protect his Jewish wife.  However, as the Nazi rule over Czechoslovakia calls for more and more collaboration, his relationship with his wife spirals downward. Winner of Denver International Film Festival - Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for Best Film and Best Feature Film. (Drama)

January 7th: Vlčí jáma / The Wolf Trap
1957; directed by Jiri Weiss; 90 minutes
Highly-regarded Czech drama. Set in the 20s, an ambitious young provincial politician, who married an older and possessive woman, strikes up a friendship with her young ward. Story of frustration and denial against a backdrop of post-WWI bourgeois banality.  One of the best-received entries at the 1958 Karlovy Vary Film Festival. (Romantic drama)

February 4th: Babí léto / Autumn Spring
2001; directed by Vladimír Michálek; 95 minutes
Fanda is an old man who refuses to grow up. Despite pleas from his exasperated wife, Emilie, and son who want him to make some serious decisions about the future, he ignores their nagging and spends his days seeking amusement and adventure. Aided by a pal, Fanda keeps his acting skills sharpened by pretending he is a retired opera star in the market for an opulent country estate. When he fakes his own death, his wife decides she has had enough and files for divorce. They soon discover that instead of worrying about old age, perhaps it's time to live each day to the fullest. (Comedy)

March 4th: Vesničko má středisková / My Sweet Little Village
1987; directed by Jiří Menzel; 98 minutes
Subtle and affectionate comedy about the people who inhibit a small town. The lorry driver is fed up with his simpleton mate, the town doctor regularly wrecks his car because he's admiring the scenery, … The movie falls into many dramatic pits where you wonder what is going to happen next. Nominated for Oscar. (Comedy)

May 6th: Líbáš jako Bůh / You Kiss Like a God
2008; directed by Marie Poledňaková; 116 minutes
A middle-aged highschool teacher tries to navigate the rough waters of her private life. (Romantic Comedy)