White Dove

František Vláčil did not direct his first feature film until 1960 at the age of 36. But as soon as the poetic Holubice (The White Dove) was released it put Vláčil’s name on the Czechoslovak and international cinema map as an artist with a strong aesthetic vision, elegant visual style, and an almost architectural approach to storytelling. A postal dove gets lost on the way from northern France to Germany. The bird serves as a vehicle for changes in the life of Prague lad Michal, confined to a wheelchair following an accident. Graphic artist Martin (Václav Irmanov) both observes and assists Michal’s physical and spiritual recovery. The message of empathy and friendship between nations personified by children is underscored by the character of young girl Susanne, who, thanks to Martin’s pictures, manages to eventually track down her missing dove. Michal is portrayed by future successful film director Karel Smyczek.