24th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival
The Second Republic
director: Aleš Koudela
original title: Druhá republika
country: Czech Republic
year: 2018
running time: 52 min.
synopsis
The Second Republic was relatively short-lived. But those few months were one of the most dramatic and important periods in our history. In 1938 in Munich, all the ideals and values on which Czechoslovakia had been built came crumbling down. Czech society ceased to believe in democracy and began to admire authoritarian fascist governments. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of refugees fled the occupied Sudetenland for what remained of the country, but nobody wanted to take them in. The media was subjected to censorship, and an aggressive strain of anti-Semitism appeared among the Czech population. And on top of it all, there were further territorial demands by Germany, Poland, and Hungary, and separatist tendencies in Slovakia.
more about film
| director: | Aleš Koudela |
| producer: | Lenka Poláková |
| script: | Aleš Koudela, Martin Pekárek |
| photography: | Tomáš Nikel, David Rojíček |
| editing: | Jaromír Vašek |
| sound: | Petr Pokorný, Jakub Krajíček |
other films in the section
After its successful documentary film featuring interviews with five abused women, Czech Television takes a look at another side of domestic violence. The stories of the film’s four male protagonists show that although the methods of violence are similar, the victims’ are in a much different position: Violence against men is usually questioned, and their partners, however manipulative and aggressive, are in a much more advantageous position, since the men, as representatives of the supposedly stronger sex, are generally not believed. The film is the first ever documentary to look at this socially taboo subject.
From Love to Hatred 2: Domestic Violence on Men
Štěpán Romuald Rob
Czech Republic / 2018 / 52 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
They have spent nearly their entire childhood growing up in institutions. They have no home and no family, no idea where they will leave or how they will earn a living. Lukáš wants to be a famous hip-hopper, Simona is planning to get a sex-change operation, and Jarda would like to have a big family. This longitudinal documentary follows the lives of three young people as they leave the children’s home where they have been living, and try to go it alone.
Bye Bye Children's Home
Hana Ludvíková - Muchová
Czech Republic / 2017 / 92 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
Nicknamed “the Czech Locomotive,” Emil Zátopek held 18 world records and is best known for winning the 5 km, 10 km and marathon races at the Olympic Games in Helsinki. David Ondříček brings his grand successes back to life through interviews with his family, friends, and former competitors.
Zátopek
David Ondříček
Czech Republic / 2016 / 52 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
Věra Bílá was once one of the largest celebrities on the Czech music scene. Together with the band Kale, she went on numerous tours of Europe, the USA, and Japan. But after leaving the band in 2006 she no longer performs in public, and her passion for gambling machines caused her to fall into debt. In 2013, her only (adopted) son passed away, followed soon after by her husband. She spent Christmas 2016 all alone in a small room. Nobody gave her any gifts. She remembers her grandmother, who survived Auschwitz, and the many downturns and insults she has had to suffer. And yet she looks forward, with faith in a new project, new energy, hope…
The Last Hope of Věra Bílá
David Vondráček, Roman Šantúr
Czech Republic / 2018 / 52 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
World Premiere
Perhaps everyone knows of the footage of the crackdown on demonstrators at Národní třída on November 17th, 1989. Jan Slezák, Milan Danišovič and Jiří Laňka were involved in suppressing the demonstration on November 17th, 1989, albeit to a different degree. Jan Slezák was the commander of the company of the Emergency Regiment for Public Security and at the time of the crackdown, he waited in the emergency room as a backup. Milan Danišovič commanded the entire intervention. Jiří Laňka was a member of the special unit of the Ministry of the Interior, known as the "red berets."
Stories of the 20th Century II - Thresers
Viktor Portel
Czech Republic / 2019 / 26 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
World Premiere
This film, which was initiated by Polish filmmakers, introduces viewers to how Václav Havel was viewed "next door". In Poland, too, Havel was considered an important person and a symbol. The film sheds light on the little-known relationship between the Polish and Czech opposition and offers a unique testimony on the meetings and actions that helped to bring down the totalitarian regimes in Europe.
Our Waszek. On the Power of the Powerless
Krystyna Krauze
Poland, Czech Republic / 2012 / 52 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
A look at the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra’s incredible tour of Romany settlements in eastern Slovakia and its collaboration with Ida Kelarová, the Čhavorenge ensemble, and local Romany children who had ten days to learn the songs that they performed on stage with members of the philharmonic.
Ida’s Mission
Tomáš Kudrna
Czech Republic, Slovakia / 2016 / 67 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
We are all aware of the titles The Cassandra Cat, Diamonds of the Night, All My Compatriots or Dinner for Adele. But only few people know, that key aspect of their success lies behind the work of the cinematographer Jaroslav Kučera. The film portrait of one of the most talented filmmakers of 20th century, who had a significant role in the birth of the czechoslovak new wave, that helped rejuvanate world cinematography and get czechoslovakian cinema abroad.
Jaroslav Kučera - A portrait
Tomáš Michálek, Jakub Felcman
Czech Republic / 2019 / 63 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
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.
Don’t Be Angry, Ukraine
Radim Špaček
Czech Republic / 2015 / 63 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
Andy, Petra and Bára. Three life stories that met in prison in Světlá nad Sázavou. This is the prison where mothers can do their time together with their children, because a maternal bond could provide the strongest incentive to lead a better and more responsible life.
Mamma from Prison
Veronika Jonasova
Czech Republic / 2017 / 80 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
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.
The Path of Josef Pleskot
Jana Chytilová
Czech Republic / 2015 / 52 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
Pavel Landovský is not only an enfant terrible of Czech acting, but also the author of the successful play Hoteliér. More than 40 years after its creation, director Jan Kačer decides that he and Landovský will put it on again. Joining him will be Vladimír Pucholt, Josef Abrhám and Libuše Šafránková. But Kačer isn't interested as much in bringing these famous actors back before audiences as in trying to pull Landovský out of the lethargy caused by his state of health.
Hotelier
Josef Abrhám jr.
Czech Republic / 2013 / 75 min.
section: Czech Television Documentaries
