Significant day of the Jiří Menzel Foundation
9 April 2025 was a significant day for the Jiří Menzel Foundation. A ‘Closely Watched Evening’ was planned in the Fanta Hall in the main station building. Due to the venue of the evening and the historical connection of Mrs Olga Menzel with the Farewell Memorial in the foyer of the Central Station, a commemoration was held in the afternoon with the last surviving Winton children, Mrs Zuzana Mares and Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines. Bouquets were laid there by the Minister of Transport, Mgr. Martin Kupka, Jiří Svoboda, Director General of the Railway Administration, a state enterprise, Deputy Ambassador of Great Britain Kate Davenport, Director of the Dr. Pírka Clinic Stanislav Najman and others. Afterwards, the guests went to the hall where two awards were presented during the Jiří Menzel Foundation evening. The crystal Arnostek from the Pačinek Glass workshop was presented to the Oscar-winning director István Szabó by Olga Menzelová, and the second was awarded to the singer and actor Václav Neckář. At the same time, Jiří Menzel's long-time collaborator Míla Řádová was awarded a crystal cast of J. Menzel's hand. The evening's programme was complemented by a musical performance by Lubomír Brabec and then Sara Milfajtová. An important part of the evening was the auction of works of art. The proceeds of CZK 1,168,000 will enable us to continue to support older artists in the event of their social difficulties due to health complications, as well as young artists in the creation of their films. We would like to thank all sponsors of this event: ALO diamonds, ČSOB, ČEPS, Správa železnic, Ministerstvo dopravy, Foyer Café, Château Escot, Original Turnov, Pačinek Glass, MCU media, Newman+ friends, Kofola Československo, AstronPrint, AlmanacX (Alcron Prague), Medialogue. We would also like to thank all the donors of the auctioned art objects and all those who auctioned these items.
We need to modificate the money application
Dear film school students, We are very pleased that you are turning to us with confidence and asking us for financial help. In view of the proliferation of requests for support for your creative activities, we have decided to consider your applications together from April 2025 on predetermined dates. Information about the approval and the amount will be sent to your email address. Thank you for your understanding! Receipt of applications: 1/ April 15 - June 10 2025you will receive a decision on the grant by July 1 2025 2/ August 15 - September 30 2025you will receive a decision on the grant by October 20 2025 3/ November 1 - December 20 2025you will receive a decision on the grant by January 20 2026 4/ January 1 - February 25 2026you will receive a decision on the grant by March 30 2025
Satin Hands by Šimon Kucka
Jan Čadek (pictured) plans to make his debut as a producer with "Satin Hands" by screenwriter and director Šimon Kucka. Šimon is studying at the Department of Screenwriting and Dramaturgy, where this script was among the winners in an internal competition. This competition is significant in that it gives students of the department the opportunity to realise their script as practically the only original work during their studies. It is an essential step to help young male and female screenwriters with directorial ambitions to step into the creative industry and present their own work. The director's comment is interesting. "I've always been intensely interested in people who, despite their best efforts, fail to fit into society: people without money, power, influence. I root for such characters and hope that whatever they try, they succeed. The script of "Satin Hands" deals with the question: But what if a person from the margins of society doesn't have to climb the social ladder? Don't we need to validate who we are through the approval of those around us and those closest to us? Perhaps the director will answer these questions. It will start filming at the end of April and we can also look forward to the Czech Lion winner Simona Lewandovská, who will play the lead role.
A visit that doesn't go astray
Nela Frauenbergová, a film production student at FAMU, came to Jiří Menzel's apartment to get the signed contract, where she met Olga Menzelová in his library. She introduced us to the content of the film, which they are preparing to shoot in the second half of May. The film "The Visit That Doesn't Wander" follows the meeting of two former army colleagues, Michal and Hynek, who after a nervous breakdown find themselves in the psychiatric ward of a military hospital. Their conversations between the lines reveal feelings of guilt, insecurity and a friendship that persists even in moments of personal failure. The film focuses on the theme of the inability to communicate in moments when we are most vulnerable, while also bearing the weight of mental illness and problems. As you can see, the students are not shying away from more serious topics and we are happy to support them in their endeavors, at least a little.
We are looking forward to Píchlé duše
A smile on my face and a contract with the Jiří Menzel Foundation in my hands. It promises a financial contribution to the film. Sára Vojtová is a student of production at the Film Academy of Miroslav Ondříček in Písek. She is currently preparing her graduation master's film "Píchlé duše" with her classmates. The film is about a man with multiple sclerosis taking a trip to Switzerland with his son. The script was written by Stefan Lambert. The young filmmaker wonders if father and son will find their way back together before it's too late. Father Victor, suffering from multiple sclerosis, decides to undergo assisted suicide in Switzerland, while son Sam cannot come to terms with his choice. The film will be completed by June 4, 2025 and we look forward to its screening in the fall.
We support The Prince Without a Kingdom
A prince without a kingdom will not be a cute fairy tale. Producer Lara Stoilova revealed the content of the bachelor film at a meeting with NFJM Executive Director Radka Martiníková. She is developing the film with director Viktoria Novotna and cinematographer Maria Smutna. The film is about family themes such as the loss of home, fear of the family past and finding new relationships. Despite being a psychological drama, the film also works with a horror genre overlap. It is the horror elements that help create an intense setting and atmosphere for the characters' behaviour. After a tragic separation from his drug-addicted mother, little Konrad is entrusted to the care of an unknown woman - Aunt Hannah, who carries her own pain. He escapes from the cold surroundings of the house to an abandoned shed, where he uncovers an ancient evil that promises escape at a terrible price. Konrad must face the darkness and save not only himself but also Hannah in a story of family trauma and the battle against evil. The filmmakers believe the genre is now on the rise, and for that reason they would like to try working with it. With its connection to the family theme, which is transferable to a foreign audience, they think the film would succeed not only at domestic festivals. The Jiří Menzel Foundation will contribute to the making of this film and we will all keep our fingers crossed that the vision comes true.
We support Velký Darius movie
Another contribution from the Jiří Menzel Foundation goes to Zlín. The contract was signed on behalf of the team by producer Sara Stoklasová. It is a graduation film THE BIG DARIUS. The film will be made at the Film School in Zlín. Eighteen-year-old Darius dreams of escaping the bleak reality of the housing estate, where he takes care of his younger brother and faces his addicted mother. When he gets the chance to start a new life, he discovers that freedom has its price. His greatest dilemma becomes not the escape itself, but who he leaves behind. Genre – social drama Themes – family relationships, selfishness, poverty Running time – 20 min Director, screenplay – Ruadhán Ó'Súilleabháin Director of photography - Kryštof Kadeřábek Production – Sára Stoklasová Editing – Filip Kratochvíla Sound – Šimon Tomášik Gaffer – Jakub Sitte
NFJM supports Attention Whore
Another graduate film called Attention Whores by director Alice Bednárikova is being prepared at FAMU. The film explores themes of adolescence, abuse of power, the dynamics between students and teachers, and the emotional impact of crossing ethical boundaries in a school setting. The aim is to create a visually appealing and substantively urgent work that will appeal to a wide audience and stimulate the necessary discussion. We at the Jiří Menzel Foundation reviewed the theme and the grant application and the project received our support. The contract for the grant was signed by producer Valeria Borkovcová, who told us about their ambitions for the project. We can only keep our fingers crossed and look forward to the premiere.
The film "What Lies in the Dark" is among the projects supported by the NFJM
In the folders of the Jiří Menzel Foundation, held by Kateřina Špálová, is a new contract for a financial contribution to the graduate film. The film "What Hides in the Dark", directed by Viola Bláhová, is being made at FAMU. This project combines live-action film with cartoon animation to create a unique visual experience. The story of eight-year-old Victor focuses on overcoming fear and finding courage, while the technical treatment benefits from the innovative use of animation to capture fantastical elements such as magical fog. We can only add that Kateřina Špálová will certainly prove to be a great producer in the future. Her meticulous preparation of the documents for the grant application was second to none. Fingers crossed for everyone in the team.
Danica Hrvatska state award to director Menzel
On 24 January, a festive and very friendly meeting was held at the Václav Havel Library. During the evening, H.E. Ljiljana Pancirov, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Prague, presented Mrs. Olga Menzel with a state decoration awarded to Jiří Menzel in memoriam by the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović. The Order of Danica Hrvatska with the figure of Marko Marulić was awarded for outstanding merit and contribution. This award was proposed by the Czech-Croatian Society, a branch of the Croatian Matrix in Prague. Jiří Menzel loved Croatia, often visited there and even directed plays and two documentary films there. The guests of the evening reminisced about all this and watched one of the films "Your Sea, Our Sea". Olga Menzel gave a speech in Croatian, the ambassador in Czech. The presence of the actors Jaroslav Satoranský and Pavel Nový, many mutual friends, and also ambassadors who met Jiří during their embassies, but their relations grew into friendly ones, was a pleasure. We believe that Mr. Menzel would have enjoyed the cordial and friendly atmosphere of the evening and the award.
Premiere of the film Anticipation
At the end of October, on behalf of the NFJM, we provided a financial contribution to the film ANTICIPATION by director Matouš Cardal.On 18 January, the film premiered at the Citadel Studio in Klimentská Street, where the producer Tereza Sokolová invited Radka Martiníková and Míla Řádová on behalf of the Fund. In his opening speech, the director stressed that it is important to behave politely towards each other and to think about how our behaviour can affect the other. Matouš Cardal is a passionate screenwriter and director. He is still studying but has already made a documentary and three short films. He knows how to choose his actors, in this case he had Šimon Fikar (Children of Nagano), Ondřej Stupka (The Waves), Nikola Kylarová, not to mention Jamie Sparker who played the stranger. He has several films and awards under his belt. The performances of the actors and the whole crew were applauded by the full hall. Congratulations.
NFJM supports FULL FRAME movie
In the folders, young director Jáchym Sedlák holds a contract for a contribution from the Jiří Menzel Foundation for his second film "FULL FRAME". He described his project to NFJM representatives Radka Martiníková and Míla Řádová in the words: "The film is told using split-screen, where most of the time we watch the photographer Max on the left side and what his camera sees on the other. By using two different images we can tell the story in an unusual and catchy way. To show what would be left unshown in most films. "We'll have to wait for more details, but we're sure we'll be pleased with this year's premiere. We'll let you know.
Looking forward to the graduate project TENKRÁT V ARGENTINĚ
NFJM once again financially supported a student film project. It is a master's graduate film TENKRÁT V ARGENTINĚ, to be directed by Matěj František Preisler. We met at the signing of the contract. The young director introduced us to the subject. The film will deal with the theme of the existence of universal evil, personified in the characters of two dictators of the 20th century. The authors want to show that this evil is immortal, it can reappear at any time and it is therefore important to beware of its return. You can find out more at https://tenkratvargentine.cz/. And we at the Jiří Menzel Foundation look forward to this year's premiere. We'll be sure to let you know how it turns out.
We supported the film "Disposable"
The students of the Miroslav Ondříček Film Academy in Písek are planning to shoot their graduation film, entitled "Disposable", in February 2025. The main themes of the film are loss of identity, superficiality and consumerism in postmodern society. They will try to express all these challenging themes through the aesthetics of the film, especially the set and costume design.The presentation of this project by director Ivanna Kravchuk and cinematographer Lukáš Skramlík convinced us of the potential of this documentary, and that is why we financially supported the film "Disposable". We wish the young filmmakers that their success will not be a one-off. We have signed a contract between the Jiří Menzel Foundation and Anna Brázdilová (production).
The fifth project of young filmmakers
At today's meeting with the young director Štěpán Havlín, a contract was signed for financial assistance for the completion of the documentary DIPTYCH. Štěpán approached the Jiří Menzel Foundation with a request for a contribution. He is preparing a film double portrait of painter Květa Monhartová and sculptor Miroslava Nová. We were intrigued by the topic and so we accepted. The signing took place symbolically in the restaurant 500 Na Valech. It was Jiří Menzel's favourite restaurant and he was a frequent guest there, as he lived in the same house. So hopefully this will bring good luck to the young creators. Fingers crossed!
Screenwriter and director Matouš Cardal is about to make a new movie Anticipation
The Jiří Menzel Endowment Found has contributed to the emergence of another student short film. The script for Anticipation was written by Matouš Cardal, who will also direct the movie. Tereza Sokolová is in charge of making sure that everything is in place for the shooting. It will start in a few days and we will have the opportunity to see the new work at the end of January 2025. Matouš Cardal and Tereza Sokolová are walking away with a blue folder containing a signed contract about our financial contribution. We believe we have just sponsored an exciting project.
We support a student film
The Jiří Menzel Endowment Found supports not only older artists whose health complications make it impossible for them to pursue their original careers, but it also supports the younger generation in their creative endeavors. We have just provided financial assistance to a group of film school students who are planning to make a short film set in television setting called An Intermittent Signal. The central themes are archiving, digitalization, working with old and new media, the conflict between generations, and coming to terms with the reality of everyday life. As Kamila Mysíková informed us, they plan to present the completed product at domestic festivals such as Mladá kamera (Young Camera) or České vize (Czech Imagination), at which their most recent film Your Train Will Be Delayed was also awarded. The young filmmakers hope that this movie could eventually help them to advance into their full-blown professional careers. We keep our fingers crossed for them! The photo was taken during the signing of the contract for the production of An Intermittent Signal between the Jiří Menzel Endowment Found represented by Míla Řádová, and the young filmmaker Kamila Mysíková.
We also support Jitka Zelenohorská
Time is flying by and it's taking its toll on everyone's health. Even the movie stars. We just remembered Jitka Zelenohorská, the star of the seventies. She appeared in many films, but the public will probably remember her best from Jiří Menzel's Closely Watched Trains, Larks on a String, and Crime in the Music Hall. This actress was always open to various cultural events and was happy to participate. She would go with a film delegation to Lodenice to celebrate the anniversary of Closely Watched Trains, or to events of the Jiří Menzel Foundation. She has not been on location for several years now. Health permitting, she attends events. But she needs assistance, especially with her walking. That's why we decided that she should receive some symbolic financial help from the Jiri Menzel Endowment Found to pay for her physical therapy. We are delighted that we can help.
A flower for Karel Heřmánek
Today, on September 7, a farewell to Karel Heřmánek will take place at the Bez Zábradlí Theater. Jiří Menzel maintained a long-standing relationship with him personally and with the Bez Zábradlí Theatre. He had directed five plays there, two of which are still being performed today: "Dinner for Schmucks", which has already had over 920 runs and is still in the repertoire, and "Where Were You Last Night”. In 2022, the Bez Zábradlí Theatre in cooperation with the Jiří Menzel Endowment Found organised a festival dedicated to the honor of the important Czech movie maker and theatre director Jiří Menzel. The plays he directed were presented there and his award winning movies were also screened. A few days ago, we learned that Karel Heřmánek, a Czech acting legend and the spirit of the theatre had gone to the artistic heaven. On behalf of the Jiří Menzel Endowment Found, we send flowers and remembrances. Hopefully, Jiří and Karel will have some good times up there and come up with new projects for the local audience. We keep our fingers crossed for the Bez Zábradlí Theatre to continue to thrive in the years to come and to eventually come to terms with the loss of its founder. We are confident that the family will also keep the fond memories and will have enough strength to continue Karel Heřmánek's work.
Jiří Menzel's 4th death anniversary
Jiří Menzel passed away four years ago, but his work and legacy remain. The Jiří Menzel Endowment Found is still in operation. The family and friends remember. The memorial sites have been redecorated. This time, the Bubeníčková Floral Studio produced decorations for both the house and the grave at Vyšehrad Cemetery. It is thematically connected with his film Closely Watched Trains. We hope that on this occasion, you will also remember Jiří Menzel. Here's just a snippet of his wife Olga's touching remembrance: ".... When I look at our last photos together... You can see nothing but love in them. Love without conditions. What will we have left at the end of our lives and what is really important? It's not the potential belongings and valuables, but the closest loved ones who hug us, hold our hand, and don't ever leave us alone. To be there for the other person when he or she needs us. That which is real and true, through which you recognize where you stand in life. The closeness and the presence of your loved ones who either are or not.We were darn lucky to have found each other in life. That's what you've always used to say. Thank you, my dear Jiří, and see you again someday."
Meeting in July in Kunratice u Cvikova
Come to the Crystal Temple on July 6 at 2 pm, where the exhibition The Capricious Journeys of Jiří Menzel is in full swing, as well as an exhibition by local glassmaker Jiří Pačinek. If you are interested in seeing for yourself how glass is transformed into various objects in his hands, he will welcome you to his glassworks. The exhibition will be open to the public until September 1, 2024. More photos are available for viewing HERE.
Jiří on the road
Visit the Crystal Church in Kunratice by Cvikov beginning on 25 May and admire the art and craft of the local glassmakers. As a bonus, you will have the opportunity to see the interior exhibition Capricious Journeys, which chronicles the life and work of Jiří Menzel. The exhibition will be open to the general public until September 1, 2024. The opening ceremony will take place on May 25, 2024 at 3 pm and everyone is most welcome. Photo gallery HERE.
A Caprisious evening
A social evening in the Troja Castle complex brought together not only legends of Czech and foreign movie industry, but also the contemporary music and fine arts elite.The Slováčeks, father and son, and violinist Pavel Šporcl played and sang during the evening. In the charity auction, to which artists such as Jiří Anderle, Stanislav Kolíbal, Martin Krajc, Magdalena Jetelová, Siegfried Herz, Pačinek Glassworks and others donated their artworks, we raised an incredible CZK 1.8 million. The evening was hosted by the renowned presenter Marek Eben.For the support of this evening, we would like to thank the City of Prague and especially the Mayor of Prague, who took over the auspices of the entire evening, our long-time partners ČSOB and ČEPS, the STOPKA kitchen studio, the Kofola Company, the Kodl Gallery, which ran the entire auction, as well as the U Malířů Restaurant and the Almanac Hotel, which provided accommodation for our international guests. More photos are available HERE.
Capricious Journeys in Nymburk
A guided tour opened an exhibition about the life and work of director Jiří Menzel. Seventeen panels in the Pod Hradbami Park were not only illustrating the process of making movies and Jiří’s work as a director. Olga Menzelová remembered her husband and appreciated the location of the exhibition with the city walls in the background. The photographs on display were complemented by a personal tribute to Jiří by his long-time collaborator Míla Řádová. Among the guests was actress Jitka Zelenohorská (Closely Watched Trains, Larks on a Thread). The distinguished visitor was welcomed on behalf of the town by the Vice-Mayor Stanislava Tichá. The event was attended by the city and the Polabské Museum representatives respectively including the Muzeum’s director Jan Vinduška. The event was hosted by the Central Bohemian Region. The Capricious Journeys of Jiří Menzel exhibition was held in Nymburk from May 19 to June 13, 2023.
Birthday
On February 23, 2024, Jiří Menzel would have celebrated his 86th birthday. Many thanks go to the Bubeníčková Floral Studio for her beautiful floral arrangements!
A handcar from Closely Watched Trains at Prague's Main Train Station
In December 2022, a handcar from Jiří Menzel's Oscar-winning movie Ostře sledované vlaky (Closely Watched Trains) was unveiled at Prague's Main Train Station to commemorate the celebrated director's 85th birthday. The ceremony was attended by Olga Menzelová, Minister of Transportation Martin Kupka, the General Director of the Railway Management Jiří Svoboda, and the Executive Manager of the National Technical Museum Karel Ksandr.
Evenings on HAMU
On May 12 and 13, 2023, we had the opportunity to witness two evenings on the premises of the HAMU (Prague Academy of Performing Arts), where important actors got together and had the opportunity to see an exhibition of Jiří Menzel's life and work called "Capricious Journeys". The evening also featured an auction of several items donated by Jiří's friends. We would like to thank everyone for the extraordinary atmosphere in a lovely setting. More photos HERE.
So, Jiří is finally at Vyšehrad Cemetery
In October 2022, the laying of the urn in Jiří Menzel's gravesite took place at Vyšehrad Cemetery. No journalists were invited, as we only shared this information with the public through a message on Facebook. Jiří Menzel thus already has his final home address. Today, an extraordinary tombstone was unveiled at Vyšehrad Cemetery, designed by David Vávra, sculptor Petr Váňa, and prodiced by stonemason and restorer Tomáš Váňa. The inlay of marble-lettering was done by David Beneš and a professional assistance was provided by Ondřej Šefců. Jiří’s image was created in the likeness of Arnostek, the character he played in The Capricious Summer. The glass filling set in white marble from the island of Brač changes its colours depending on the angle of viewing and also on whether the sun is shining or not. Josef Petrásek and Petr Krumphanzl played Jiří Suchý's song "Goodbye", Petra Hobzová remembered important moments from Jiří Menzel's life, David Vávra recited his poem "In Arnoštek's Footsteps", and Olga Menzelová unveiled Jiří Menzel's tombstone following her own short remarks. The meeting of family, friends, and colleagues was held without the media, without tears, and in the form of a happening, just as Jiří would have liked it. You could feel the sense of mutual connection among those present, because they all had loved him and still do. We couldn't invite everyone Jiří had ever known. But nothing prevents you from visiting Vyšehrad Cemetery when you are around. You can't miss the tombstone. It shines on the entire area the way Jiří had done in his lifetime.
Jiří Menzel Festival at the Bez Zábradlí Theater
The Jiří Menzel Festival at the Bez Zábradlí Theater took place from April 23 to April 28, 2022. The festival included an opening gala night attended by 300 guests, close colleagues, and friends. From abroad, the much loved actor János Bán (Vesničko má středisková / My Sweet Little Village) also arrived. The evening featured an auction of Jiří Menzel's memorabilia. The proceeds from the auction went to the Jiří Menzel Endowment Found. An indoor exhibition, The Capricious Journeys of Jiri Menzel, was housed in the theatre, The show closed on June 27, 2022. Screenings of Jiri Menzel films were held on subsequent days of the festival, featuring actors from his movies and commentaries by film historian Jan Lukeš. A prominent part of the festival involved four theatrical performances originally directed by Jiří Menzel at the Bez Zábradlí Theater. Photos from the event are available HERE.