The Elementary School (Obecná Škola)
Date: March 27, 2016
Time: 6:00 PM (97 min)
Venue: Patio Theater
Address: 6008 W Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60634
Admission: $10
The newly restored digital version of the 1991 Czech film The Elementary School (Obecná škola) will be screened in select theaters around the world on March 27 and March 28 to celebrate the 80th birthday of Zdeněk Svěrák — actor, humorist, scriptwriter, songwriter, and one of the most important icons of Czech cinema and theater.
The story of The Elementary School takes place shortly after World War II in a boys’ school in Prague. Czech-American actor Jan Tříska stars as a teacher who attempts to restore discipline in the school, but falls into disrepute when his military record is questioned. Zdeněk Svěrák drew upon his own experiences as both pupil and teacher in writing this delightful tale.
The Elementary School was the first creative collaboration of Zdeněk Svěrák and his son Jan Svěrák. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Zdeněk Svěrák also wrote and starred in Kolja, which won the 1996 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Proceeds from this event will to go to Biograf Jan Svěrák to help fund the remastering of The Elementary School.
Program
- Introduction by Miloš Stehlík (Facets Multimedia Executive Director and Founder)
- Special greeting from Bořek Lizec (Consul General of the Czech Republic to Chicago)
- A birthday surprise by children from the T. G. Masaryk Czech School
- Screening
- Reception
