FILM:
 
On June 10, at 8 pm, the Avalon Theatre will screen Jiří Mádl's directorial debut To See the Sea, revealing a profound story of friendship and courage. Shot and narrated from the perspective of young Tomas, naivety is contrasted against the beauty, humor, and harshness of reality.

The screening is part of the Lions of Czech Film Series
and the touring Czech That Film Series, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic. For more information about Czech That Film, please visit www.czechthatfilm.com.

About the Film: To See the Sea (Pojedeme k moři)

Eleven-year-old Tomas receives a camera for his birthday. Wanting to become the next acclaimed director like Miloš Forman, he decides to secretly record his father, who he suspects is having an affair. With the camera as his tool, he becomes a detective intent on finding truth. In the process, he finds out more about himself and the world around him than he ever imagined. His best friend Haris also borrows the camera, putting a lens to the stark reality of his violent father. (Directed by: Jiří Mádl, 2014, 100 min., in Czech with English subtitles)

Awards:
Nominated for 5 Czech Film Critics’ Awards (2015), including Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Screenplay. Won the Children’s Jury Main Prize at the Zlín IFF 2014. Received Special Mention at Finále Plzeň and the Gorky Studio Special Prize at VOICES - Russia (2014). Won Best Film at the Motovun FF in Croatia (2014).

About the Director:
Czech actor Jiří Mádl was poised to become a professional ice hockey player, but an elbow injury changed his plans forever. He auditioned for and won the leading role in Karel Janák’s comedy
Snowboarders and was the youngest person ever named to the Personalities of the Czech Republic list by the Czech magazine MF DNES. Following the success of Snowboarders, he took on comic roles in: Taming Crocodiles (2006) and Rock Con Artists (2006). His English language debut film was Bathory. Shortly after, he starred in Night Owls (2008). His role in this film made him the youngest recipient ever of the Crystal Globe for Best Actor at the 2008 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Recently, he has starred in such films as Lousy Bastards (2014,) Collette (2013), and The Confidant(2012).

Film trailer: https://vimeo.com/87587907
 
About the Lions of Czech Film Series:    

This marks the ninth year of collaboration with the Avalon Theatre to present the Lions of Czech Film Series. This film series gives the Washington, DC, community an opportunity to view Czech films that are popular hits in Europe and have received numerous honors and awards at film festivals. Most of the films have received the prestigious Czech Lion Award, the Czech equivalent of an Academy Award. All of the films have limited distribution in the United States. The Lions of Czech Film Series offers an invaluable opportunity to see the best of Czech cinema in the nation’s capital.

 Tickets are available via www.theavalon.org/films/to-see-the-sea/ or at the door.