Brothers Beyond the Grave

The Žďár Highlands and the Iron Mountains, the most preserved parts of the Vysočina region, look almost the same as they did more than a hundred years ago. Come and see our country in a way that you never have before, and be amazed by its beauty and diversity.

The private life and the career of Soňa Červená were affected by stormy history of the 20th century and its two monstrous totalitarian systems: Nazism and Communism. The documentary looks back at the milestones of her journey, using reflections and historical evidence. Červená talks openly about the difficulties encountered throughout her life. The feature documentary about a world famous opera singer and actress was directed by Olga Sommerová.

A look at a forgotten chapter in modern Czech history. The “armed fist of the working class,” formed from various factory guard units on the instigation of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, began operating under the guidance of the Central Union Committee in May 1945. After the communist takeover in 1948, the People’s Militia was sent upon orders of the Communist Party to “defend” the borders or to act against students, farmers, the church, demonstrators protesting the currency reform. Their actions against anti-regime gatherings in 1969 resulted in several deaths. They also acted brutally during the demonstrations in Prague in 1988 and 1989.

The Arhuaco are an indigenous tribe that has resisted fate for more than 400 years, but that today, because of the advanced technology of mining companies, politicians’ arrogance, and the spread of tourism find their existence threatened. Their houses are demolished by giant bulldozers. In July 2017, some 180 families were forced from their homes, and today they live in squalor in a park in the town of Puerto Bello. Their sacred sites have been burned. In response, an organization was founded in the Czech Republic to try to help the Arhuaco purchase their original lands, so that they can return… 

Why does Russia lay claim to part of Ukraine and why do Ukrainians feel themselves to be the heirs of medieval Russia? The film does not address the current political situation in Ukraine, but tries to explain subjects about which many Czechs know very little: the historical and religious roots of the current conflict. The film was inspired by the award-winning and widely discussed book by literary historian M. C. Putna Scenes from the Cultural History of Russian Religiosity.

Although it is still a legal grey area, an increasing number of children in the Czech Republic are born to surrogate mothers who act as something like an incubator for the genetic material of other couples. But can you give birth to a child, hand it to someone else, and then go on with your life as if nothing has happened? What if the child “doesn’t turn out right” or if the couple has second thoughts about parenthood?

Issues related to gender equality in the Czech society are discussed on many levels, with much stronger intensity and on a much larger scale than what was previously imaginable. Helped by growing media coverage, several recently founded associations and organizations try to raise awareness towards such issues among general public. These groups are often rejected by our society, much more often than politicians with their controversial statements. The documentary tries to stir the still waters of stereotypical attitudes through the “parades” of the male and female members of feminist groups.

Lada, once the largest and best manufacturer of automobiles in the Soviet Union, is today a financial disaster. In comes a seasoned Swedish manager with the job of bringing back the company’s golden era. At a meeting in the town of Tolyatti, deep in the heart of Russia, everyone comes with their own vision of the future that they do not want to compromise. The Russian Job is the story of great plans and even greater absurdity.

What happens when an entire village is made part of an art project? The story of a seemingly ordinary village that, thanks to the ideas of artist Kateřina Šedá, is turned into a living work of art

In order to draw attention to the damage done to the environment, activists won't hesitate to hang a banner on the smokestack of a power plant, climb up a mining tower or protest at the bottom of a coal mine. Civil protests have always been a part of democracy and environmental protection. In recent years, however, there have been cases where activists are threatened with prosecution for non-violent protests. Does climate change also come with a “change in climate” in our society? Will people who peacefully protest against environmental damage end up in prison?

Architect Josef Pleskot can be described as one of the best known and most respected contemporary Czech architects. Pleskot has earned many awards since the 1990s, and his designs regularly represent Czech architecture at international exhibitions.

At age 36, Jakub Hrůša was awarded the Sir Charles Mackerras Prize for his contribution to presenting the work of Leoš Janáček – just a few meters from the place in Brno where the great composer wrote the score to The Makropulos Affair. Exactly one month after receiving the award, Hrůša makes his debut with the Vienna State Opera for a new production of the opera. A documentary about one of the most difficult tasks in the young conductor’s career.