Welcome to the 28th edition of the Made in Prague festival, a vibrant celebration of Czech culture, organised by the Czech Centre in London. This year’s festival offers a rich programme that brings together music, literature, performing and visual art, and contemporary film, with three key themes shaping the festival’s events.
Festival Team
Programme
Renata Clark, Přemysl Pela
Production & Marketing
Petra Štorchová
PR and Social Media
Veronika Blues, Marek Bero
We are proud to mark the Year of Czech Music, a tribute to the country’s extraordinary musical heritage. The festival will open on 31 October celebrating the depth of Czech classical music with a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra playing contemporary classical music by Ondřej Adámek at the Barbican. The concert will commence a five-week long programme showcasing an array of various cultural events, culminating in the festival’s closing night on 30 November at the Southbank Centre, featuring world-renowned Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra. His performance promises to be a spectacular conclusion to this musical journey, embodying the dynamic and timeless spirit of Czech music.
Admin Support & Finances
Zdeňka Srodzinski
Interns
Sabina Tocháčková
Adéla Sáblíková
Barbora Nebeská
Graphic Design
Jáchym Bouzek
The festival also commemorates one hundred years since the death of Franz Kafka, one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Born in Prague, Kafka’s work, filled with existential themes and a deep sense of alienation, continues to inspire readers around the world. This year, we honour his legacy through a series of theatre performance at the Coronet Theatre, a literary evening and an outdoor art exhibition. I’m certain that Kafka’s presence will profoundly enrich the festival, offering audiences an opportunity to engage deeply with his work.
In addition, this year marks the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, the peaceful uprising that led to the end of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. To reflect on this significant moment in Czech history, the festival will showcase the film Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me?, a powerful portrait of Václav Havel, the playwright-turned-president whose leadership was pivotal during the revolution. This film offers a moving exploration of the last years of Havel’s life and his commitment to freedom and democracy, reminding us of the ongoing relevance of the Velvet Revolution’s ideals.
A core component of the Made in Prague Festival remains its dedication to showcasing contemporary Czech cinema. This year’s film programme is particularly exciting, with screenings of films such as Brothers, the Czech nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film; She Came at Night, the Czech Lion Award winner for both Best Director and Best Actress in a leading role; and Waltzing Matilda, followed by a Q&A with the film’s leading actor Karel Roden, offering UK audiences a window into the diverse and innovative world of modern Czech filmmaking.
As always, the Made in Prague Festival is made possible by the invaluable support of its partners and volunteers, whose contributions help bring Czech culture to life in London. Needless to say, a huge debt of gratitude is owed to the Czech Centre’s team for their tireless commitment and passion to make the festival once again an exciting encounter with Czech culture and art.
As the festival remains a vital bridge, connecting Czech culture and creativity with the British audience, and providing a platform for cultural dialogue and exchange, I hope you will enjoy this year’s festival and the many cultural treasures it has to offer. I’m looking forward to seeing you,
Přemysl Pela
Director of the Czech Centre
Year of Czech Music
London Symphony Orchestra: Adámek and Beethoven
Thu 31 October, 7 pm, Barbican Hall
Use code MadeInPrague to receive 20% discount.
Celebrating the Year of Czech Music, the 28th Made in Prague Festival will launch at a concert by the LSO featuring Follow Me, a Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by Czech composer Ondřej Adámek and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No 1 and Symphony No 4. Early Beethoven’s wit and jokes pair with a cat-and-mouse chase around the orchestra from Ondřej Adámek whose concerto invites listeners into a playful and increasingly wild imitation game between soloist and orchestra. Expect a dynamic dialogue of sounds and rhythms, blending surprise with lots of joy. Composer and conductor Thomas Adès and the brilliant violinist Isabelle Faust join the Orchestra on stage for this compelling programme.
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No 1
Ondřej Adámek Follow Me
(Concerto for Violin and Orchestra)
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No 4
Thomas Adès conductor
Isabelle Faust violin
London Symphony Orchestra
Franz Kafka
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Year of Czech Music
Film
good and evil, they fight for the right to promote whisky or lemonade, and for the hand of the beautiful Winifred. A hilarious musical parody of old-style westerns and singing cowboys that blends quick-fire jokes, silent slapstick, and inspired music and songs from the swinging ‘60s.
Audition
Miloš Forman, Czechoslovakia 1963, 79‘, English subtitles
Cast: Jan Vostrčil, Vladimír Pucholt, Věra Křesadlová, Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr
Audition, Miloš Forman’s debut film, initiat ed the Czech New Wave and launched his career. Originally two short films with close ly related topics and styles Audition There Were No Music were released as one feature film. In If There Were No Music two young men skip brass band rehearsals for motorcycle races, much to their band leaders’ dismay. While this segment shows a genuine appreciation for traditional Czech music; pop-style numbers are fea tured in Audition, enthusiastically per formed by hopeful applicants auditioning for Prague‘s Semafor Theatre. Successfuly blending documentary-style coverage with fictional narratives, this is an authentic por trayal of youthful rebellion against societal and generational restraint and conformity testifying to Forman’s passion for music.
An investigation into a simple superstition quickly becomes a full-blown witch trial in this powerful allegory of life under totalitarian rule. Vávra’s film draws on original court transcripts and forced confessions, revealing the malevolence of the Inquisitors who exorcise their own greed and lust through gruesome torture and execution. With its stark and beautiful cinematography reminiscent of Bergman and Dreyer, transcends the horror genre to become a chilling political fable that exposes power as the ultimate weapon of evil, enhanced Jiří Srnka’s atmospheric score. His haunting music, performed by the Czech Philharmonic alongside the Prague Madrigalists, makes Witchhammer an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Brothers + Q&A
with Mark Cornwall
Sat 2 November, 7 pm
Regent Street Cinema
Tomáš Mašín, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia 2023, 135‘, English subtitles
Cast: Oskar Hes, Jan Nedbal, Stefan Konarske, Tatiana Dyková, Václav Neužil
In this gripping true-life Cold War drama, brothers Josef and Ctirad take up arms against the oppressive communist state. Spurred by their mother‘s defiance and its consequences, the brothers embark on a violent resistance campaign. As their actions escalate, a relentless policemen is hot on their trail, forcing them into a harrowing escape. Crossing Czechoslovakia
Year of Czech Music
Emil Viklický, Imogen Ryall, Julian Nicholas: Songs
Mon 4 November, 8 pm
The Pheasantry Pizza Express Live
Our Lovely Pig Slaughter + Q&A with Adam Martinec
Tue 5 November, 8.10 pm
The Garden Cinema
Adam Martinec, Czech Republic 2024, 84´, English subtitles
Cast: Karel Martinec, Miloslav Čížek, Pavlina Balner, Aleš Bílík, Karin Bilíková
The women cry over onions, united in ex asperation with their men, the men, led by recent widower Karel, drink plum brandy outside. This is an annual family gathering but this year tensions are high and things do not go according to plan. Karel’s daugh ter Romana misses her mother, her sis ter’s marriage is on the rocks, grandpa doesn’t want to do any more pig killings while the butcher hides the fact that the ammunition is damp and a nosy neighbour plans to report the illegal slaughter. Amidst the chaos, six-year-old Dušík goes miss ing. Inspired by Miloš Forman’s films and Bohumil Hrabal’s poetics, this is a poignant comedy with slapstic moments, searing humour and great empathy amidst gender and generational divides.
The Jury Special Mentions Award Karlovy Vary IFF
She Came at Night
Fri 8 November, 7.30 pm
Regent Street Cinema
Jan Vejnar, Tomáš Pavlíček, Czech Republic 2023, 85’, English subtitles
Cast: Simona Peková, Annette Nesvadbová, Jiří Rendl, Vladimír Kratina, Judit Bárdos,
When a couple of thirty-somethings wel come one of their mothers into their home, they unwittingly invite chaos into their peaceful lives. Valerie, a glamorous wom an in her sixties, in energetic diva mode, gradually takes over their apartment and their minds, transforming their haven into a battleground. As the creeping home in vasion gains force, certainties are under mined and the boundaries of privacy are demolished. This hilarious comedy, led by Simona Peková’s standout performance as the mother-from-hell, explores the invasion of privacy and the clash of familial bonds we have all experienced, delivering both
A joyous adventure that celebrates science and nature, Journey to the Beginning of sends four schoolboys on an awe-inspiring expedition back through time, where they behold landscapes and creatures that have long since vanished from the earth. Combining live action with stop motion, puppetry and animatronics, visionary filmmaker Karel Zeman evokes worlds of wonder and discovery to produce his most beguiling and magical work. Rated one of the best children‘s adventure films of all time, it is also a pioneering work of world cinema. The screenings are Pay What You Can and on Sunday morning it is followed by a free activity for children.
inspires Alex, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and learn his top tips and tricks for bringing characters to life. Get creative! By the end of the workshop, you’ll have your very own Floppy. Suitable for 4+
Special Gala 1989 Velvet Revolution
Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me? + Q&A
Petr Jančárek
Thu 14 November, 6.45 pm, ICA
Petr Jančárek, Czech Republic, 2023, 87‘, English subtitles
A multilayered portrait of Czech dissident playwright turned head of state, who became a political icon while retaining his insight, humour, and dedication to public service. In 2009, Havel invited Petr Jančárek to film ‘the rest of his life,‘ granting unlimited access and creative freedom. For nearly three years, Jančárek captured Havel’s life, juxtaposing it with scenes from his play Leaving which Havel was filming. The resulting time-lapse documentary follows Havel from meetings with world leaders to hoovering at his cottage and drumming at festivals. With Havel as the sole speaker, the documentary reflects on his political legacy and universal human issues with absolute openess through previously unseen footage.
The Hop-Pickers + Intro by Mehelli Modi
Fri 15 November, 6.30 pm
The Garden Cinema
Ladislav Rychman, Czechoslovakia, 1964, 92’, English subtitles
Cast: Vladimír Pucholt, Ivana Pavlová, Miloš Zavadil, Irena Kačírková, Josef Kemr
The Hop-Pickers, the very first Czechoslovak film musical, was an instant sensation upon release and continues to charm generations of Czech audiences. With its vibrant portrayal of youthful rebellion, blossoming romance, lively production numbers, and irresistibly catchy songs, it has endured as a beloved classic. Channeling the energy of the swinging ’60s with a distinctly Czech twist, The Hop-Pickers boldly blends music, dance, and New Wave realism, offering a fresh take on societal norms and a playful exploration of sexual freedom. Join us for a special screening celebrating the UK Blu-ray release from Second Run.
EFG London Jazz Festival
Nikol Bóková is clearly a talent worth
Following her London debut two years ago, the award-winning Czech pianist and composer Nikol Bóková returns to the capital to perform original compositions from alongside her quartet (David Dorůžka, Martin Kocián, Michał Wierzgoń). In addition to masterful technique and compositional genius, Nikol‘s evocative performance is guaranteed to captivate audiences through exceptionally efortless travel between genres, from classical music to modern jazz and beyond. Presented by Spice Jazz Soho.
Year of Czech Music
Magdalena Platzová:
Life After Kafka
Franz Kafka Film
Thu 21 November, 7 pm Czech Embassy Cinema
Join us for the launch of Life After Kafka a compelling novel about Felice Bauer, Franz Kafka’s first fiancée, and the untold story behind Letters to Felice. Acclaimed Czech novelist and Magnesia Litera Award finalist Magdalena Platzová, along side journalist and Kafka enthusiast Nick Lezard, will explore this captivating blend of fact and fiction, transporting readers across time and space—from pre–World War II Europe to present-day America. In spired by Platzová’s meeting with Felice Bauer’s son, the novel provides fresh insights into Kafka’s world while weaving a haunting family saga about legacy, survival, and the profound impact of famous artists on those closest to them.
2023; 117´, English subtitles
Cast: Eliška Křenková, Miloslav König, Milan Ondrík, Richard Langdon, Martha Issová
Literature
Helena (the excellent Eliška Křenková) leaves behind her family and medical studies to help her husband, Alois, a factory director, build the Baťa-inspired town of Svit in a remote mountain area. Although smart and courageous, she initially takes a backseat to Alois’s ambitions. But when a dead intersex newborn is discovered in their factory, Helena embarks on a secret investigation, defying both local authorities and her husband. As she digs deeper, the truth threatens to destroy her marriage and her life. Set in a prewar society grappling with transformation, this masterfully crafted detective drama explores privilege, prejudice, and gender identity, blending character study, marital conflict, and mystery.
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light & Kids Art Workshop
Sun 24 November, 2 pm Czech Embassy Cinema
Filip Pošívač, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary 2023, 82´, English subtitles
11-year-old Tony, who glows, is kept in doors by his overprotective parents. His lonely life changes when Shelly, neglected by her ballerina mum, moves in next door. Tony invites Shelly into his blanket fort, where she shares a magical torch that cre ates dreamlike worlds. Together, they jour ney to uncover the source of a dark force that drains sunlight and thrives on fear and hatred. Inspired by Jiří Trnka and paying homage to Hayao Miyazaki, this enchant ing animated film uses pastel colours and charming metaphors to tell a heartwarming story of friendship, imagination, and the power of being different. Followed by an art workshop for children. Suitable for 6+
Best Audiovisual Achievement, Discovery of the Year
Czech Film Critics´Awards 2023
The Jury Award
Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2023
Best Feature Film Sitges Film Festival: Anima’t 2023
Inspired by Kafka: Insectum K. & Joseph Kilian
Tue 26 November, 7.30 pm
The Coronet Theatre
Step into the surreal and unsettling world of Franz Kafka as we celebrate the centenary of his legacy with a night of cinematic masterpieces and a mesmerizing dance performance. Follow a young man’s mysterious search in Joseph Kilian (Pavel Juráček, Jan Schmidt, 1963), delve into Kafka’s fear of modern civilization in Double Trial (Zdeněk Kopáč, 1962), and experience the claustrophobic terror of The Flat (Jan Švankmajer, 1968), where a man is trapped in his own home. The evening culminates in a captivating dance by PULSAR & Jan Malík - one man, one table, one chair, one light, one sound - creating a haunting tribute to Kafka’s world by artists across generations
Closing Gala
Year of Czech Music
English Chamber Orchestra with Pavel Šporcl
Sat 30 November 2024, 7.30 pm
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl creates sparks with the English Chamber Orchestra in an animated programme celebrating the Year of Czech Music 2024. Dvořák's Violin Concerto is a marvellous example of the great Czech composer incorporating the spirit of his homeland into a concert work that has charmed violinists and audiences around the world. And his Bohemian spirit also shines through in Symphony No. 8, one of his most energetic and playful works. The English Chamber Orchestra is conducted by their Principal Guest Conductor, Roberto Forés Veses in this unmissable concert, which also includes works by Faure and Saint-Saëns, and explores the close connection between the Prague and Paris Conservatories.
Use code ECO20OFF to get 20% off top two prices.
Venues:
1 / Czech Centre / Czech Embassy
26 – 30 Kensington Palace Gardens London W8 4QY www.czechcentre.org.uk
2 / British Library 96 Euston Rd. London NW1 2DB www.bl.uk
3 / The Coronet Theatre
103 Notting Hill Gate London W8 7TA www.thecoronettheatre.com
4 / Crazy Coqs
Brasserie Zedel 21 Sherwood St London W1F 7ED www.brasseriezedel.com
