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Czech Fest: A Cultural Experience from the Heart of Europe

The Embassy of the Czech Republic and the School of Design and Arts of the College of St. Benilde-De La Salle University in cooperation with the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague recently concluded a week-long film festival.

The Czech Fest: A Cultural Experience from the Heart of Europe featured award-winning Czech films such as Dark Blue World, Closely Watched Trains and The Rebels. Independent films were also screened during the festival namely Alda, Bába (Grandma), The Second Act, Chybička Se Vloudí (Whoops, Mistake!), Kmenový Jazyk (Basic Language), Pat and Mat. The following films were provided by the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. The featured films for this festival were presented through a multimedia presentation.

The opening ceremonies took place on October 4, 2010 and were led by Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar and College of St Benilde’s Bro. Dante Jose Amisola, FSC. The opening was attended by representatives from different embassies, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, students and movie enthusiasts. Guests were all fascinated as they follow the journey of Frank, the main character in the Czech movie Tmavomodrý Svĕt (Dark Blue World). Directed by Jan Svĕrák, it is a story between the friendship of Franta, a veteran Czech pilot and his young protégé Karel, who are both forced to join England’s RAF after Germany invades Czechoslovakia. Set amidst the intricacies of war, Karel crash lands by the rural home of Susan, an English woman. After spending one night with her, young Karel is convinced he has found the love of his life. Susan, however, finds herself falling for the more mature Franta. Franta eventually reciprocates. With both men in love with the same woman, their friendship is put to the test. Guests also enjoyed the Czech cuisines prepared by the students of the College of St. Benilde.

An exhibition of the “The Czech Best” and lecture on the Czech Republic were also part of the festival.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic through its cultural projects aims to promote Czech culture and increase people’s awareness of the Czech Republic. We are truly grateful for the support we received for this project. We are looking forward to conduct similar projects with other schools in the near future.