Actor: Jan Švankmajer

Vratislav Effenberger or Black Shark Hunting

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Alchemical Furnace

Jan Svankmajer, at 85 years of age, is one of the most prominent artists of European cinema. His work has inspired and guided generations of directors, and represents a sharp and merciless exploration of human nature which is entirely unique. When he decided to retire from filmmaking after "Insect" (2018), his producer suggested that the creative processes which ferment within their company Athanor should be preserved on film. Over three years, the directors of this documentary followed the life of Jan Svankmajer, elucidating his artistic principles, as well as his collaboration with old friend and producer Jaromír Kallista. The film is also haunted by the memory of Eva Svankmajerová, his wife and creative partner, muse and inseparable other half. Playful and poetic, candid and with a touch of Czech humour, it is an ode to creation and to companionship.

Engi – Sound Designer Ivo Špalj

A look at the legendary Czech sound designer and his profession. Editor and documentary filmmaker Adéla Špaljová has her father Ivo Špalj talk about his life, career, and working methods. Over the course of his long life, sound designer Ivo Špalj (*1940) has collaborated on hundreds of films and become a mentor for at least one generation of men and women behind the mixing board. This gentle documentary also shows “Engi” (as he is known to his colleagues) again working with Jan Švankmajer, whose films he has lent their typical, dense, and sophisticated sound mix.

Kunstkamera

The castle of Horní Staňkov. Camera enters the castle park. Approaching Kunstkamera, it stops at the emblem of Ouroboros above the entrance. The door opens, letting the camera in, to reveal the magical square with astrological figures of Virgo and Libra, combined with Dog and Lion from Chinese zodiac. A painting of Rudolf II as Vertumnus, more Arcimboldos. The camera continues to the main hall. A huge stone fireplace with ceramic statues. African fetishes, ritual masks, Bis poles and masks from Papua New Guinea, spiritualists´ drawings, surrealistic photographs, and paintings etc. In this way, the whole Kunstkamera collection will be filmed. Time to time, as if by mistake, an object will appear in the shot, reminding of the fact that the place is inhabited.