Kolya

Date: February 17, 7 pm

About the Film:
Confirmed bachelor and cellist Franta Louka (Zdeněk Svěrák) performs for funerals and renovates tombstones, having lost his place with the state orchestra after being blacklisted by the communist regime. Tired of scraping by, Louka marries a Russian woman desiring Czech papers. The sham marriage, suggested by his grave-digger friend Mr. Broz, banks him a large sum of money. When she unexpectedly emigrates days after their marriage, Louka is left with her 5-year-old son Kolya (Andrej Chalimon).

Set just before the Velvet Revolution, the poignant drama brings out the heart-felt beauty and gentleness of a boy and a man old enough to be his grandfather as they get to know each other. Neither speaks the other’s language, but the tender moments and actions draw them together.  The film is raw with emotion, from the silly antics of a bachelor, to the terrifying fear of losing a child and the undeniable love that develops – Kolya brings out the humanity that unites us regardless of our nationality. (Directed by Jan Svěrák, 1996, 101 min., Czech with English subtitles)

Spend an evening enjoying this memorable film. The film is a part of the ongoing Film and Beer Series featuring the work of screenwriter/actor Zdeněk Svěrák.

Location: Bistro Bohem
600 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

Reservations: bistrobohem@gmail.com.

About the Series:
This marks the fourth year of the Film and Beer Series at Bistro Bohem. The series this year focuses on the work of acclaimed screenwriter and actor Zdeněk Svěrák, who is renowned for the Oscar-winning film Kolya. All of the films will screen in Czech with English subtitles. Each screening includes one free beer as well as an introduction by a representative from the Czech Embassy. All screenings are subject to change. The screenings take place the third Tuesday of every month.

Upcoming Screenings in 2015:    
Feb. 17, 7 pm        Kolya | Kolja     
March 17, 7 pm    Empties | Vratné lahve               
Apr. 21, 7 pm        Secluded, Near Woods | Na samotě u lesa         
May 19, 7 pm        Dark Blue World | Tmavomodrý svět    
June 16, 7pm        Waiter, Scarper | Vrchní, prchni!             
July 21, 7 pm        What’s Up Doc? | Co je vám, doktore?
Aug. 18, 7 pm        My Sweet Little Village | Vesničko má středisková          
Sept. 15, 7 pm       Accumulator 1 | Akumulátor 1 
Oct. 20, 7 pm        Ruffiano and Sweeteeth | Lotrando a Zubejda (TBC)     
Nov. 17, 7 pm       Jára Cimrman Lying, Sleeping | Jára Cimrman ležící, spící                                  
Dec. 15, 7 pm        The Three Veterans | Tři veteráni