Vladimír Šmejkal
Vladimír ŠMEJKAL (1902–1957, Czech Republic) was a director and a significant figure of the avant-garde amateur scene. In the 1920s, he became fascinated by the French and Czech avant-garde, Dadaism and Surrealism. He worked as a playwright as well as a director, actor and stage designer. The poetics of his productions echoed the core principles of avant-garde theatre. He collaborated closely with Čeňek Zahradníček.
Filmography
(selection, all short) Soldier’s Story/Příběh vojáka (1934), Atom of Eternity/Atom věčnosti (1934), Hands on Tuesday/Ruce v úterý (1935)
Vladimír Šmejkal 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.