The Czech Republic has selected its official entry for the Academy Award in the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category. The members of the Czech Film and Television Academy (ČFTA) have nominated the historical drama Waves (Vlny), directed and written by Jiří Mádl. The film portrays the struggles of a group of Czech radio journalists who fight for independent reporting in 1968 amidst the Warsaw Pact occupation.
Waves, based on a true story, had its world premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and has attracted over 350,000 viewers to Czech cinemas since its release in August. The film is now a contender for the prestigious award at the 97th Academy Awards, set for 2 March 2025, with nominations to be announced on 17 January 2025.
Mádl, who worked on Waves for over a decade, intertwines themes such as the fight for freedom, the importance of family, and the perilous world of espionage in what is regarded as his most ambitious project to date. The film stars Vojtěch Vodochodský in the leading role, alongside a high-calibre cast that includes Stanislav Majer, Martin Hofmann, and Táňa Pauhofová.
Jiří Mádl is a prominent figure in Czech cinema. His directorial debut, To See the Sea, garnered multiple awards, and his second film, On the Roof, also received international recognition. As an actor, he gained fame with the 2004 film Snowboarders and won a Czech Lion award for his role in Droneman.
The ČFTA made its decision after a vote held between 30 August and 8 September 2024. Besides Waves, Girl America and Our Lovely Pig Slaughter were also considered strong contenders.
The Czech Republic has won the Oscar three times, most recently in 1996 with Jan Svěrák’s Kolya. Six other Czech films have reached the final selection, including The Firemen’s Ball by Miloš Forman and Divided We Fall by Jan Hřebejk. Now, it remains to be seen if Waves can follow in the footsteps of these classics.
