Published: July 03, 2023| 04:59 PM

Czech director David Jařab, who was involved in films such as Vaterland A Hunting Logbook and Head - hands - heart, had his first premiere at the Grand Hall with Snake Gas. “He is known for his affinity for surrealism and a diploma thesis was even written about him,” joked Karel Och, KVIFF’s artistic director, as he welcomed on stage the film’s delegation, including Jařab himself, actors Stanislav Majer and Václav Vašák, editor Jan Daňhel and representatives from the Czech Television.

“I would like to thank the festival, producers, our cast and crew, because working with me requires a certain kind of courage,” the director said at the beginning and added a recommendation: “Let the film rest in your minds. At least for two or three days without taking any stance.” He dedicated the first screening of his unorthodox film odyssey, which deals with violence, depicts the fight for natural resources and a river as a symbol of a journey, to his recently deceased father. “I wish he were here with us today, so this is the least I can give him,” he concluded.