Masseba

Parables often enabled Czechoslovak directors to escape the whims of regime censors, and even sneak in critical commentaries about the state of contemporary society. That was very much the case with this film based on a story idea and script by Miroslav Vaic. Though made in 1989, Masseba only found its way to audiences in the subsequent era of “free” distribution. The new climate significantly reduced the impact of this allegorical and conspiratorial tale, which relates the totalitarian practices found within a fictional society. In an underground city, a civilisation survives without any kind of morality or compassion, functioning only through fear and violence. “Tall youngster Honza” (Karel Roden), a member of the retinue of the cruel Major (Václav Postránecký), tries to steer a different path when he falls in love with the lovely Mulatka (Victoria Kidane). Masseba itself is a slope emblazoned with some mysterious letters, which appear to have the power to dissuade our hero from evil and instead turn him towards good.