This is a sponsored article on behalf of Made in Prague Festival.
Fan of world cinema, central European literature, and evenings out in London's most atmospheric venues? Then you'll definitely want to Czech out (sorry) Made in Prague Festival!
Each autumn, this month-long celebration of Czech culture takes over the capital, with film screenings, book launches, art exhibitions and more. And this year's edition is extra-special, because the Czech Centre — which organises this action-packed festival — is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and has put together a bumper programme to reflect three decades of Czech-British cultural relations. Read on for our highlights!
Out-of-this-world art
The 27th Made in Prague Festival kicks off on 3 November, with the launch of ULTRA-SUPER-NATURAL — a multimedia art project by Barbora Šlapetová and Lukáš Rittstein.
This collection of films, animations, photographs, drawings and sculptures is inspired by the artists' time spent with indigenous people in Papua New Guinea — reflecting on their spiritual beliefs, relationship to nature, and the impact of globalisation on their way of life. See it at the festival's opening — it's free, with complimentary drinks! — at the Czech Centre's Vitrínka Gallery. Can't make the opening event? No problem — the exhibition's sticking around till 29 February.
From silent film to contemporary sci-fi
More of a cinephile? You're absolutely spoilt for choice at Made in Prague Festival, with classics, new releases, and director Q&As. We particularly like the look of Restore Point, a contemporary Blade Runner-esque sci-fi with a retro-futurist aesthetic — see it at BFI Imax on 2 December.
Another highlight comes at festival's closing gala on 10 December, with a preview screening of the upcoming, highly-anticipated biographical drama One Life at Curzon Soho (in cinemas from 1 January). Starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, it tells the true story of Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton, who helped rescue hundreds of children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia.
There are a few older Czech films to take in, too. On 19 November at JW3 Cinema, you can catch 1921 silent film The Crucified, which grapples with antisemitism in 19th century Europe.
Plus, you can watch three Czech classics from the comfort of your own home, thanks to a free trial of BFI Player (promo code: MadeinPrague23). These include an anthology of stop-motion folk tales and a celebrated adaptation of Milan Kundera's The Joke.
Opera, electronica, literature
For a taste of Czechia's musical heritage, opt for a screening of Il Boemo, a sumptuous costume drama about 17th century opera composer and Mozart's mentor, Josef Mysliveček (Prince Charles Cinema, 18 November). Or get to know progressive composer Jan Kapr (AKA the Czech John Cage), at a screening of documentary opera Kapr Code at The Garden Cinema on 24 November.
Prefer your music live? Head to Rich Mix on 1 December for Electronica: Vision of Sound. Here, an incredible line up of Czech, Slovakian, and Hungarian musicians will treat you to an eclectic range of electronica.
There's plenty for literature lovers to enjoy too, including a staged reading of a new play by acclaimed Czech writer Petr Zelenka at the Coronet Theatre's atmospheric bar (20 November). You can also choose between a trio of book launches — including an anthology of short stories inspired by Prague, penned by 10 of the city's most famous writers (16 November, Czech Centre).
See the full programme, and book tickets to the events that tickle your fancy, here.
Made in Prague Festival, 3 November-10 December at various venues in London.
