Film: Loves of a Blonde

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Oscar-winning director Miloš Forman, the Embassy of the Czech Republic will screen one of his beloved early works - Loves of a Blonde, on February 16, 2022, at 6 pm.

In the film, a young factory worker named Andula (Hana Brejchová) has a one-night stand with Milda (Vladimír Pucholt), a jazz pianist from Prague. They part ways, and when she does not hear from him, she packs her bags and arrives at his doorstep. Bring your valentine or simply yourself for an unforgettable evening of film.

Loves of a Blonde (Lásky jedné plavovlásky) DIR. Miloš Forman, 1965, 90 min., in Czech with English subtitles

MILOŠ FORMAN

Award-winning director Miloš Forman (Feb. 18, 1932- April 13, 2018) grew up in a small town near Prague, Czech Republic. He was hailed as a major talent of the Czech New Wave with films exploring social and moral issues, including Loves of a Blonde (1965) and Firemen’s Ball (1967), which was banned after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.He was hailed as a major talent of the Czech New Wave with films exploring social and moral issues, including Loves of a Blonde (1965) and Firemen’s Ball (1967), which was banned after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Forman later came to the United States and made several successful films, notably One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), which won five Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, best actor (Jack Nicholson), best actress (Louise Fletcher), and best adapted screenplay. Forman went on to win a second Oscar for directing the film Amadeus (1984). He also directed such films as Hair (1979), Ragtime (1981), Man on the Moon (1999), and The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996). In his films, Forman explores the theme of the individual versus society. His films address questions of personal freedom, social conformity, and the oppression of the individual.

CZECHOSLOVAK NEW WAVE

Miloš Forman was a luminary of the Czechoslovak New Wave, an artistic movement of the 1960s hailed as the “golden era” of Czechoslovakia’s cinematic history. Trademarks of the movement included long unscripted dialogue, dark and absurd humor, and the casting of nonprofessional actors. A frequent feature of the films was an interest in the concerns of ordinary people, particularly when faced with historical or political challenges. The core of the new wave was composed of graduates of the Film and Television Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague. The movement was defined by a small group of directors who made their debuts in or around 1963, including Jiří Menzel, whose film Closely Watched Trains (Ostře sledované vlaky) won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Picture, and Věra Chytilová, who is best known for her film Daisies. Incidentally, February also marks birth anniversaries for both Menzel (Feb. 23, 1938) and Chytilová (Feb. 2, 1929).

EVENT DETAILS:

Date/Time: February 16, 2022, at 6 pm

Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic

3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW, Washington, DC

RSVP required

Embassy Policy: By registering, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists by attending this event on the premises of the Embassy of the Czech Republic. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Czech Republic or any of their diplomats, staff, contractors, affiliates, employees, agents, or volunteers liable for any illness, injury, or death. The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises.

To enter, you must wear a mask and present proof of vaccination. At its discretion, the Embassy may take your temperature upon arrival. No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required.