From the first day of the festival, which was officially opened by the Consul General Ivan Počuch and the Revue Cinema’s programming director Eric Veilette, there was indication of considerable interest not just from the Czech community, but also from the wider Canadian public knowledgeable about Czech cinema.

One of the screened movies, The Devil’s Mistress (Lída Baarová), directed by Filip Renč, was received very favourably. Director Jan Hřebejk, who was a special guest of the festival on April 29, personally introduced his movie, The Teacher and after the screening responded to many questions from the large audience.

In honour of director Hřebejk, Consul General Ivan Počuch held a luncheon attended by twenty prominent representatives of the Czech community in Toronto who sponsor and otherwise support activities of various Czech associations in Toronto.  The luncheon represented a great opportunity to discuss the state, achievements and issues of Czech culture as well as activities, plans and challenges that arise from the efforts of Czech communities abroad attempting to keep ties with their home country.

Throughout the festival days the Consulate noted positive responses both from the Czech community and from the Canadian general public. The consulate gained experience in organizing the festival for the future. The experience, in particular, will aid in the timing and effective marketing of the festival. The festival has the potential to become a foundation on which we can build and extend the awareness and knowledge of the Czech Republic in the present as well its history and culture among Canadians.