The comedy Ball Lightning, written by Ladislav Smoljak and Zdeněk Svěrák, is undoubtedly a classical piece of Czech cinema, which makes people laugh but also sheds critical light on the communist era. The film is screened as a tribute to Daniela Kolářová, who presented it in person at the Karlovy Vary Municipal Theatre.
The popular Czech actress was greeted by the audience with a standing ovation that took her by surprise. “I didn't expect this, thank you very much,” she admitted to the audience. “When I was asked to select one of my films for the programme, it took me some consideration. I chose the Ball Lightning for several reasons – firstly, it was a very pleasant shooting in a great atmosphere, which is not always the case in filmmaking. Secondly, it has a great script, and I also wanted to commemorate my colleagues who are already in actors’ heaven,” she said in introduction to the screening.
Daniela Kolářová will be presented with the KVIFF President’s Award at the Saturday’s closing ceremony in acknowledgement of her firm place in film history.
