Flashforward from '68: Jan Nemec Then and Now

Continuing the series looking at the heroes of the Czechoslovakian New Wave, I turn my attention this time to arguably the greatest maverick of them all. Jan Nemec and the Prague Spring seemed made for one another. Defiant, brave, expressive, talented and clever are just some words to sum up this scourge of the authorities. His first feature Diamonds of the Night (1964, pictured) laid down his manifesto for creating a visual world independent of reality while alluding to themes from the worst of humanity. Nemec was so controversial he ended up being banned for life after his allegorical landmark film The Party and The Guests (1966) and the documentary Oratorio for Prague (1968).

Beginning with a short introduction into the films that have made him both famous and notorious, I will then focus on a more recent work that has found him embracing new technology for a very personal reflection on his past and the ensuing twilight years. Click here for my focus on Jan Nemec.