Cenek Zahradnícek
Čeněk ZAHRADNÍČEK (1900–1989, Czech Republic) was an experimental filmmaker, cinematographer and editor, and one of the founding members of the Prague Pathé Club. Active in the 1920s and 1930s, he collaborated closely with fellow avant-garde artist Vladimír Šmejkal, creating a series of influential amateur and experimental films that helped shape early Czech film modernism. His work is noted for its formal experimentation, surrealist influences and innovative use of montage, marking him as a key figure of the interwar Czechoslovak avant-garde.
Filmography
(selection, all short) Soldier’s Story/Příběh vojáka (1934), Atom of Eternity/Atom věčnosti (1934), Hands on Tuesday/Ruce v úterý (1935), Máj/May (1936)
Cenek Zahradnícek at IFFR
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Soldier’s Story
Cenek Zahradnícek, Vladimír Šmejkal | 8' | Czechoslovakia | No premiere
A young man’s nightmare about being called up to the army and fighting in war. -
Atom of Eternity
Cenek Zahradnícek, Vladimír Šmejkal | 6' | Czechoslovakia | No premiere
The essence of all boy-meets-girl narratives. Lyrical and cynical at the same time. -
Máj (May)
Cenek Zahradnícek, E.F. Burian | 11' | Czechoslovakia | No premiere
A sensual stream of images with a fairytale-like character. Witchcraft is in the air. -
Hands on Tuesday
Cenek Zahradnícek, Vladimír Šmejkal | 12' | Czechoslovakia | No premiere
A whole day cinematically crystallised in a flow of hand gestures. A Czech amateur film masterpiece.