Perhaps no Czech silent film is as renowned as Gustav Machatý’s Erotikon of 1929. It has kept its place in the history of world cinema to this day, and not just because of its daring love scenes. Machatý’s film is set against the background of romantic disappointment, but it also touches on important topics of its time – the changing roles of men and women, emancipation, tradition and modernity.
Tickets
Tickets are available at colosseumticket.cz. There are four ticket price categories ranging from CZK 300 to CZK 900.
Description
You now have the unique opportunity to view this famous film in a digitally restored format with a completely new musical accompaniment. The premiere of the musical composition by composer Jana Vöröšová, performed by the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra, will take place at a gala screening on 20 January 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal House’s Smetana Hall.
Jana Vöröšová is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Czech music, often present on world music stages. Following our successful collaboration in which Jana Vöröšová provided new music for the film Ecstasy, the National Film Archive is now building on this work with Machatý’s Erotikon.
The National Film Archive is now showcasing Erotikon uncensored and in a form as faithful as possible to the February 1929 version, creating by comparing film copies from Czech and European archives.
For viewers who have not yet had the opportunity to experience the screening of a film from the silent era, we are offering this unique experience, further enhanced through the accompanying symphony music.
About film
Erotikon is one of the greatest achievements of Czechoslovak silent cinema. Director Gustav Machatý adapted a simple story by poet Vítězslav Nezval about a country girl who falls in love and becomes pregnant by a stranger. The pregnant woman leaves for the city, where she wants to give birth in secret. Although she eventually marries a generous, wealthy, and settled man out of gratitude, she almost succumbs to her former lover again...
The uniqueness of Erotikon lies primarily in its modernist form. This, combined with a story that seems to have been borrowed from a romance novel, makes it an exceptional work to this day. The compositionally ingenious shots, evocative lighting contrasts, captivating use of visual symbols, and dynamic editing are evidence of the director's and cinematographer's mastery. The film, with an international cast led by star actress Ita Rina, was sold abroad even before its completion. Machatý later followed it up with the similarly themed but sound film Ecstasy (1932).
