Summer Film School pays tribute to Carlos Saura

by Viktor Palák

19/07/2012 - One of the oldest film events in the Czech republic and the biggest non-competitive festival in the region, the Summer Film Schools is an ideal place to catch up with film classics and also see the latest from regional cinemas.

This year, the event sets its eyes on Hungarian cinema and will symptomatically welcome one of its biggest classics István Szabó (here to present The Door) as well as one of the most prolific young filmmakers (Bence Fliegauf´s Just The Wind [trailer, film focus] will later reach Czech distribution circuit). The focus will cover not only the 1960s as Hungarian cinema´s golden era but also silent films and the development of Hungarian comedy.

The retrospectives will feature works by David Lean and films united under the Oberhausen Manifesto, while the popular midnight screenings will present a selection of blaxploitation films. The programming strategy renewed a couple of years ago makes sure a viewer closely following a particular section will leave the festival with a very comprehensive view broadened by workshops or introductions to the screenings.

The educational aim of the festival traditionally visited by thousands of backpackers will be broadened by a selection of recent Russian films and freshened up with premieres of several Czech distribution titles including the recent Audience Award winner at Karlovy Vary IFF – Belgium´s Hasta la vista! [trailer].

Spanish director Carlos Saura (photo) will also personally present two of his films and receive an award given out by the organizers (Ken Loach, Aki Kaurismäki and Béla Tarr being recipients in previous years).

The event takes place July 21– 28. More details on the festival organized by the Association of Czech Film Clubs can be found on its official website.