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When the Lion Roars

director: Jan Svatoš

original title: Až zařve lev

country: Czech Republic

year: 2022

running time: 103 min.

synopsis

This is the story of the Bohemian King, Přemysl Otakar II, and the forgotten pilgrim, Odorik, who was the first-ever European to set eyes on Tibet. This medieval road movie brings an unconventional view to these two great figures of Czech medieval history. While the character of Odorik, regarded as the “Bohemian Marco Polo,” is practically unknown to us, the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar II is either demonized or dismissed by the traditional clichés of the “Iron and Golden King.” In a private conversational format, the film’s author gives us a glimpse of this medieval world, set nearly 700 years apart from our modern context. But nothing has been lost in terms of this world’s impact or relevance, for both Odorik and Přemysl have outlived their time. Their lives are surprisingly endearing and touch on many of our current feelings.

biography

Jan E. Svatoš (* 1984) graduated from the Department of Photography at FAMU, from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University, and from FAMO in Písek. He is the auteur of more than ten documentary films, most of which have competed at various international film festivals. Among his most successful films include Wild Works, Africa Obscura, and The Ark of Lights and Shadows.

more about film

director:	Jan Svatoš
producer:	Ivana Buttry, Jana Škopková
script:	Jan E. Svatoš
photography:	Romi Straková
editing:	Václav Trčka, Jan E. Svatoš
music:	Jan E. Svatoš
sound:	Ladislav Krýsl, Romi Straková

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