Michael Kocáb

MICHAEL KOCÁB - ROCKER VS. POLITICIAN

The title of this documentary about Michael Kocáb alone suggests that art and politics will collide onscreen. Although this cinematic portrayal focuses primarily on the artistic pursuits of the protagonist — who reminisces with slight improvisation his years at the conservatoire and his performances with his band Pražský výběr — the film also maps his political and personal milestones and conveys his current world views and personal reflections on historical and political events. The documentary is playful and spontaneous and features dynamic shots with rock music that has stood the test of time.

Pražákům, těm je hej

The story begins in 1984 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, few years before the end of Communist era. The band Pražský výběr (Prague's selection) has just received the news thier 5-year ban has expired and they are alowed to perform once again. This half fantasy half document about the band would draw the atmosphere of middle european late Communist era and the eufory of it's end.

Martha and I

Emil (Vaclav Chalupa as a teen, Ondrej Vetchy as an adult) has been naughty, and his family is at a loss about what to do with him. He's been dallying with the family maid. They decide to ship him off to spend time with his uncle Ernst Michel Piccoli), who married his family maid. The boy has a good relationship with his uncle, and a touching picture of Czech family life just at the advent of World War II emerges. Since Emil and Ernst are both Jewish, they are eventually carted away by the Nazis.