Czech Cinematographer School: Visual Identity and Tradition

The term Czech Cinematographer School was introduced by film theorists and historians to name the unique visual style developed by Czechoslovakian cameramen. Since the silent era, these filmmakers have strived to capture the landscapes, atmospheres and cultural identities in a distinctive, original and easily legible way. Just like other national schools of cinematography – the German expressionist, Russian monumentalist or French impressionist – Czech school also has its specific features of visual poetics.The lecture will focus on sources and development of these specifics and the role of the visual style for cameramen themselves. Professor Marek Jícha (SU, FAMU, FAMO) will demonstrate the Czech School’s qualities and its importance on a number of examples from the silent cinema period.