Czech cinema spotlight: Drug-fueled comedy 6 Grams showcases acting talent

6 Grams (6 gramů) turns a cocaine discovery during a school ski trip into an increasingly chaotic Czech comedy, as four fathers are locked in a gymnasium and ordered to uncover who planted the drugs. With a strong ensemble led by Ondřej Vetchý, Jiří Mádl, David Novotný and Martin Pechlát, the film mixes farce and crime caper elements.

Why watch now: The Prague Reporter calls it “a refreshing exception” to the recent run of broad Czech comedies, praising its energetic performances and willingness to embrace genuinely absurd situations. 6 Grams plays with English subtitles at Kino Atlas on Aug. 18; keep an eye out for additional English-friendly screenings.

My Sweet Little Village celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, marking four decades since Jiří Menzel’s beloved portrait of life in a Central Bohemian village first entered Czech cinemas. Written by Zdeněk Svěrák, the Oscar-nominated tragicomedy follows accident-prone Otík and truck driver Pávek through a warmly observed community of eccentric characters, petty conflicts, and everyday absurdities.

Why watch now: A newly digitized restoration has helped introduce Menzel’s gentle comedy to a new generation, preserving a film whose affectionate depiction of Czech village life remains as recognizable as ever. In Czechia, the restoration is currently streaming with English subtitles on Netflix and KVIFF.tv.