Director: Jiří Menzel
Closely Watched Trains is a 1966 Czechoslovak film directed by Jiří Menzel. It is a coming-of-age story about a young man working at a train station during World War II. The film is renowned for its unique blend of comedy and drama, and it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1968.
Director: Miloš Forman
The Firemen's Ball is a 1967 comedy film directed by Miloš Forman. It satirizes the petty politics and inefficiencies of a small-town fire department. The film was banned in Czechoslovakia after the Soviet invasion in 1968 but is now considered a classic of Czech cinema.
Director: Jan Svěrák
Kolya is a 1996 Czech film directed by Jan Svěrák. The story follows a bachelor who forms an unexpected bond with a young Russian boy. The film received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1997.
Director: Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos
The Shop on Main Street is a 1965 Czechoslovak film directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a Slovak man who is appointed "Aryan controller" of a Jewish-owned store. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1966.
Director: Oldřich Lipský
Lemonade Joe is a 1964 Czechoslovak comedy film directed by Oldřich Lipský. It parodies the American Western genre, featuring a teetotaling hero who promotes lemonade over alcohol. The film is known for its slapstick humor and innovative use of color.
Director: František Vláčil
Marketa Lazarová is a 1967 historical drama film directed by František Vláčil. Based on a novel by Vladislav Vančura, the film is set in the medieval period and explores themes of violence and faith. It is often regarded as one of the greatest Czech films ever made.
Director: Věra Chytilová
Daisies is a 1966 Czechoslovak film directed by Věra Chytilová. The film is a surrealist comedy that critiques consumerism and the materialism of society. Daisies is celebrated for its avant-garde style and is considered a landmark of feminist cinema.
Director: Václav Vorlíček
Three Nuts for Cinderella is a 1973 Czechoslovak/East German fairy-tale film directed by Václav Vorlíček. This adaptation of the Cinderella story is beloved for its charming characters and beautiful cinematography. It remains a holiday favorite in several European countries.
Director: Jaromil Jireš
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders is a 1970 Czechoslovak fantasy horror film directed by Jaromil Jireš. The film follows a young girl's surreal journey through a series of bizarre and dreamlike events. It is noted for its poetic visual style and has become a cult classic.
Director: Karel Kachyňa
The Ear is a 1970 Czechoslovak film directed by Karel Kachyňa. This psychological thriller examines the paranoia and fear experienced by a government official and his wife under surveillance. The film was banned by the communist regime and was not released until 1990.