September 8, 8 pm           

Lions of Czech Film Series: Champions | Mistři   
DIR: Marek Najbrt , 2004, 83 min., in Czech with English subtitles  

In this politically incorrect existential comedy, cravings, love, cheating, and fantasizing all play a part as the World Ice Hockey Championships play out on an old TV in a broken down pub. Karel believes he runs a proper pub and that his wife Zdena loves him. Zdena believes she’s in love with Milan, a bus driver who believes he’s destined to drive charters out to sea. Josef, who’s darker than the average Czech, believes that he isn’t a Gypsy. Jarda is disappointed with life and his son. The local alcoholic, Bohous thinks he sees the play-off games before they’re played. Karel and Josef come to believe that Bohous is their ticket to financial freedom. “We have to root for ourselves, because no one else will root for us!” is argued during a tough moment for the Czech team. All the men agree. In point of fact, each man is rooting only for himslef, and “Champions” is their story.         

Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015         
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.theavalon.org