The Czechoslovak New Wave was one of the most radical and brilliant bursts of creativity in film history. The political thaw that allowed it to flourish even within a totalitarian state came to an abrupt end with the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Despite stifling restrictions, an intrepid generation of filmmakers continued to challenge Communist censorship by creating art that was provocative, satirical, and deeply critical of authoritarianism. The Czechoslovak Communist government responded the only way it knew how: by banning these works outright, resulting in many works that went unseen in their home country for decades. In anticipation of Václav Havel Day in New York City on September 28—the Czech Republic’s national Statehood Day—join us for another selection of subversive, savagely funny, dark, and defiant films—Case for a Rookie Hangman (1969), Daisies (1966), The End of a Priest (1969), and Fruits of Paradise (1969), and a tribute to the late Milos Forman with a special screening of Black Peter (1964)—which stand as enduring testaments to the power and necessity of dissident art. Presented in collaboration with the Czech Center New York.

The name “Power of the Powerless” is inspired by Václav Havel’s 1978 essay “The Power of the Powerless.” Havel started an important discussion on the subject of freedom and power in Eastern Europe, questioning how one should challenge and interact with governing bodies in their society.

Organized by Florence Almozini and Tyler Wilson.

Acknowledgments:
Czech Center New York, Marie Dvorakova, Barbara Karpetova; Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN in New York; Czech National Film Archive; Vaclav Havel’s 1978 essay “The Power of the Powerless” (Moc bezmocnych)