In the happy days of the 1960s, when the “New Wave” was rising in Czechoslovak cinematography, Czech and foreign audiences discovered some truly outstanding new talents. Among them was a man with singular vision who helped objectify and illuminate directors’ ideas – cinematographer Miroslav Ondříček. After working with the likes of Miloš Forman, Ivan Passer and Jaroslav Papoušek, Miroslav Ondříček was soon discovered by foreign directors and won recognition in a place a long ways away from Bohemia – Hollywood. In spite of all of his international awards, Oscar nominations and worldwide renown, he remained a Czech filmmaker, an acclaimed and highly respected figure.
“The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival awarded Miroslav Ondříček the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema in 2004, and screened a number of the films to which he contributed. He was among the closest friends and supporters of the Karlovy Vary festival, and for that we will always be ingratiated,” said KVIFF president Jiří Bartoška.
