A stop-motion animation created by a renowned Czech filmmaker and book illustrator, Jiri Trnka. "Old Czech Legends" tells the ancient story of Bohemia, how it was founded by the Forefather Czech, and a series of tales about heroes, queens, and kings inspired by a book of the same name by Alois Jirasek.

"Old Czech Legends," 1952. Directed by Jiri Trnka. Running time: 85 min. In Czech with English subtitles.

Jiri Trnka (1912-1969) brought to the screen works from Kosmas, Shakespeare, Chekhov, Hasek, and others. From tragedy to comedy, Trnka made adults appreciate puppets like nobody else.

“With 18 short and six feature-length animated films, Trnka was rivaled only by Walt Disney Studios in output. Revered as the pioneer of a remarkable new genre of animation that utilized puppets, Trnka conveyed the drama and psychology of his characters through his figures’ body language, expressive lighting, and camera movement. A prolific artist, beloved book illustrator, and author before making his first movie, Trnka had enormous impact on the development of animation in his country, and he inspired the careers of an entire generation of filmmakers around the globe.” — Film at Lincoln Center

Screening begins on the rooftop at 8 pm. Bar opens at 7 pm. Refreshments from the Bohemian Spirit Restaurant will be available – cash only.

Tickets are available online through Eventbrite. Seats are available on first-come, first-served basis.

This event is organized by the Czech Center New York in collaboration with the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.