Dark Blue World – Film Screening
80 Years of VE Day: Czechoslovak RAF Pilots on Screen and in Real Life.
image credit: photo © Biograf Jan Svěrák
Please join us for a film screening of Dark Blue World, a 2001 film by Czech director Jan Svěrák, the Academy Award-winning director of Kolya, about Czech pilots who fought for the British Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The film screening will be followed by an informal talk with Jitka Režná, daughter of General František Fajtl, one of the Czech RAF pilots who fought in WW2 and inspired creators of the film. Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Manchester and Czech School and Community Manchester have put together the event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Reuniting the creative team responsible for Kolya, 1996 Oscar® winner for Best Foreign Film, under Czech director Jan Sverak, Dark Blue World tells the story of the friendship between two Czech pilots, the veteran Franta (Ondrej Vetchý) and fresh-faced young trainee Karel (Krystof Hádek). They escape Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, make their way to Britain and join the Royal Air Force. When Karel’s plane is hit and he bails out in the countryside, he is taken in by Susan (Tara Fitzgerald), an Englishwoman whose husband is missing in action. In a moment of weakness, she makes love to Karel, relieving him of his virginity. But later, when Karel takes Franta to meet his “new love,” Franta and Susan are attracted to each other, leading to a situation that will put the two men’s friendship to the ultimate test.
Language: Czech with English subtitles. Suitable for ages 12+.
Free – Please register here or using the ‘book now’ button below.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
