Ji Bartoka In Memoriam: Shadows of a Hot Summer Film / Cinema

A haunting post-war drama from legendary Czech filmmaker František Vláčil.

Set in the Beskydy Mountains two years after the end of WWII, the film follows shepherd Ondřej Baran (Juraj Kukura), who lives peacefully with his wife (Marta Vančurová) and two children on an isolated farmstead. Their quiet existence is shattered when a retreating band of Ukrainian nationalist paramilitaries—part of a guerrilla force fighting Soviet control—invades their home, seeking refuge and medical help for a wounded comrade on their flight to the West. As the family is taken hostage—along with the local doctor—Ondřej is thrust into a moral and physical battle, forced to protect his loved ones in the face of escalating violence and psychological torment.

Featuring a chillingly memorable performance by Jiří Bartoška in one of his darkest roles, Shadows of a Hot Summer is a masterclass in suspense and visual storytelling. Vláčil applies the classical unities of time, place, and action to build mounting tension through muted performances, stark camerawork, and an unforgettable score by Zdeněk Liška—his final collaboration with Vláčil.

Jiří Bartoška, 2024, photo Jindřich Nosek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Winner of the Crystal Globe at the 1978 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival andrecently restored for its 2024 KVIFF premiere, this powerful ballad of moral resistance and quiet heroism remains as urgent and resonant today as ever. A psychological thriller wrapped in poetic austerity, it stands as a lasting testament to the artistic legacy of both Jiří Bartoška and František Vláčil.

František Vláčil, Czechoslovakia 1977, 100’, English subtitles
Cast: Juraj Kukura, Marta Vančurová, Jiří Bartoška, Gustáv Valach, Robert Lischke

Admission: £7 (+ Eventbrite fee)

Hotels near Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London

Staying overnight in London?

Wondering where to stay that's close to Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London? We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs near the Jiå™ã­ Bartoå¡ka In Memoriam Shadows Of A Hot Summer event in London.

Notting Hill Gate Hotel

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125mAWAY

3 ★

Centrally situated just 5 minutes walk from Londons leafy Hyde Park, the modern and stylish Notting Hill Gate Hotel offers free WiFi throughout..

Postcode: W2 4JJ
Distance from Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London:
0.1 miles

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Notting Hill Apartment

ROOMS FROM£196.67

148mAWAY

0 ★

Notting Hill Apartment is an apartment situated in London, 900 metres from Portobello Road Market. The apartment is 1.5 km from Royal Albert Hall.

Postcode: W2 4JL
Distance from Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London:
0.1 miles

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Linden Gardens

ROOMS FROM£80

150mAWAY

0 ★

Linden Gardens is situated in London, 900 metres from Portobello Road Market. Royal Albert Hall is 1.6 km from the property.

Postcode: W2 4HD
Distance from Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London:
0.1 miles

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DoubleTree by Hilton London

ROOMS FROM£139

162mAWAY

4 ★

Overlooking Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton London - Hyde Park offers an elegant brasserie and modern air-conditioned rooms, a 3-minute walk from Bayswater and Queensway Tube Stations..

Postcode: W2 4RT
Distance from Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London:
0.1 miles

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onefinestay - Notting Hill

ROOMS FROM£444.56

209mAWAY

4 ★

A unique collection of fashionable apartments, onefinestay offers different locations around West Londons Westbourne Grove. You can admire the areas colourful mansions, its bohemian boutiques and caf�s..

Postcode: W11
Distance from Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London:
0.1 miles

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House Palace Gardens Terrace

ROOMS FROM£287.88

223mAWAY

0 ★

Vive Unique House Palace Gardens Terrace Kensington is a holiday home with a terrace, set in London, 1.2 km from Portobello Road Market. There is a seating area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom.

Postcode: W8 4RT
Distance from Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema, London:
0.1 miles

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