Acclaimed Edmonton filmmaker Tom Radford met Vladimír Valenta, a star of the Academy Award-winning film Closely Watched Trains, shortly after Valenta fled to Edmonton following the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.
As a writer and actor, Valenta helped shape the Czech New Wave, a revolutionary movement in world cinema. He inspired young Canadian filmmakers, insisting in his characteristically gruff manner that they tell their own stories rather than imitate Hollywood.
Radford’s documentary explores Valenta’s artistic and political struggles under communist rule, drawing compelling parallels with issues facing Alberta and Canada today.
Presented by the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences
Filmmaker Q&A with Tom Radford following the screening.
Free Admission