Vojtěch Vodochodský in Waves (2024)

‘Waves’: Czech Oscar submission nabs distribution deals in France and Spain

Waves (Vlny), the Czech Republic’s Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film, has secured a French distribution agreement with ARP Sélection, reports Deadline. A prominent French distributor, ARP is known for its focus on films with historical and cultural significance. The deal was facilitated by Paris-based Urban Sales, which also arranged the film’s sale to Spanish distributor La Aventura.

Directed by Jiří Mádl, Waves is set during the tumultuous period of the 1968 Prague Spring, a key historical moment marked by political upheaval and Soviet intervention. The film follows the story of a young radio station employee torn between the state’s secret services and his revolutionary brother after the station airs a controversial recording.

“This handsomely-mounted story from writer-director Jiří Mádl has a tendency to overplay the drama surrounding its fictional central protagonist, but the real-life underpinnings shine through, especially during a thrilling climax as Soviet tanks roll through Prague,” writes The Prague Reporter in its review of Waves.

“Viewers well-versed in Czech history and those completely unfamiliar with the events Waves recounts will both find a lot to like here.”

Waves has been a smash hit at the box office in the Czech Republic since its release in mid-August, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Warsaw Pact Invasion of Czechoslovakia. After seven weeks of release, the film has been seen by more than 500,000 viewers and grossed nearly CZK 100 million ($4.33 million).

The success of Waves at the Czech box office has made it the highest-grossing Czech film in the post-pandemic period and the fifth most successful Czech production overall. It also earned the Audience Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival earlier this year, and has seen similar success in neighboring Slovakia, where it has brought in an additional CZK 30 million ($1.2 million).

“I was touched by how radio plays a pivotal role in moments of historical change,” Michèle Halberstadt, co-head of ARP Sélection, noted in announcing the distribution deal. “We at ARP are dedicated to distributing films that bring historical events to life for contemporary audiences with both intelligence and spirit.”

The collaboration with ARP Sélection opens up new opportunities for Waves to connect with international viewers. The film’s release in France will introduce a broader audience to the historical significance of Prague Spring and its modern-day parallels as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.

“The Prague Spring is particularly resonant today, with ongoing tensions in Europe,” adds Urban Sales CEO Frédéric Corvez. “Waves has the potential to reach a diverse audience, offering insight into both history and contemporary issues.”

Waves continues to build momentum as it represents the Czech Republic in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. With its strong box office performance and growing international interest, the film is well-positioned for further success.

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Jason Pirodsky

Jason Pirodsky has been writing about the Prague film scene and reviewing films in print and online media since 2005. A member of the Online Film Critics Society, you can also catch his musings on life in Prague at expats.cz and tips on mindfulness sourced from ancient principles at MaArtial.com.

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