First Czech Film Festival In Malaysia From March 9 To 12

By Tengku Faezah Tengku Yusof KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- International movie enthusiasts can look forward to some of the best movies from the Czech Republic from March 9 to 12 as its embassy here will bring in five outstanding movies in conjunction with the republic's first film festival in Malaysia. Its Ambassador to Malaysia, Rudolf Hykl, said that the Czech Republic has rich and accomplished history of film making, adding that bringing the movies here was part of the embassy's effort to reach international audiences, especially Malaysian. The five movies with different genres will be played at three selected Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) namely Pavilion KL, Mid Valley and 1Utama, he said at the opening of the festival, here, Tuesday. "It is meant to present the best cinematography to Malaysian audiences in order to enhance the Czech - Malaysia cultural understanding," he explained. Hykl said that the movies covered a whole range of topics from medieval history through episodes from World War II and stories of recent times. "The film festival not only presents good movies but also represents our country and identity, for the audiences to understand better who we are. That is the primary motivation of this festival," he said. The movies include Oscar winner for the best foreign film in 1996 "Kolya" that tells the story of a womanising musician, who ends up with his 5-year old boy after his young wife flees overseas, and Oscar nominated "Elementary School", a movie that portrays school environment in Czechoslovakia after World War II. The four-day film festival is organised and funded by the embassy in collaboration with GSC and Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism and Culture. More details can be obtained at kualalumpur@embassy.mzv.cz or call +60321661900. -- BERNAMA