Period drama the latest in yearlong Czech film fest

THE Central-European period drama Sekal Has to Die (1998) is the Czech Movie Gems film festival’s movie of the month for September.
The drama looks back at the German occupation of Czechoslovakia during the Second World War, in the fictitious village of Haná, and follows the lives of two men involved in a moral conflict which leads to their inevitable tragedies. The plot fascinatingly questions the evil of human character and the consequences of a painful childhood.
It stars Polish actors Bogusław Linda and Olaf Lubaszenko, who won the Karlovy Vary Film Festival’s Best Actor Award for his work in the movie.
According to a press release, “The film’s claim-to-fame was its ‘thoughtful script, elegant cinematography, masterful music score and triumvirate of exquisite performances.’ Czech director Vladimir Michalek elevates the film with his use of biblical references that resonated with the characters’ collective morality that sets it above par, from other contemporary films in the region. Furthermore, the movie features the intriguing sites of South Bohemia and offers a feast for the audience’s eyes, mind and soul.”
Sekal Has to Die is the 10th film to be screened under the umbrella of the “Czech Movie Gems” film festival, which takes place every second Wednesday of the month.
It will be screened on Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. at Cinematheque Center Manila, 855 Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila. Admission is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to capacity.