Czech Director Presents Film in DC

Acclaimed Czech director Irena Pavlásková presented Photographer (Fotograf), a film inspired by the unruly life of popular artist-turned-celebrity photographer Jan Saudek, during a special screening collaborated upon by the American University Museum (AU) at the Katzen Arts Center and the Embassy of the Czech Republic at the Katzen Arts Center on September 20. In the film, Jan Saudek is portrayed by Czech actor Karel Roden, who focuses on the internationally renowned genius’ love for women, particularly the female form of all shapes and sizes, and his relationships with them. The Head of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Czech Embassy, Pavla Veličkinová, opened the screening, praising the directress for her thoroughness, honesty, and ability to capture the ambiguousness of Jan Saudek, while exposing the artist’s eccentric personality. During questions and answers from a captivated audience, Irena Pavlásková gave credit to actor Karel Roden, noting that, “When Jan Saudek saw the film, he said, ‘He is more me than me!’”