Mike Leigh, one of the most famous European film directors, winner of the Golden Palm from Cannes, Golden Lion from Venice and holder of the Order of the British Empire, will be a special guest at this year’s Summer Film School.

Many of Leigh’s films oscillate somewhere between British social realism and a distinctive authorial stylisation. Leigh’s compact work is characterized by very sensitive approach towards actors that often engaged improvisation, exploring family models and an unusual touch of sensitivity and vulnerability. Leigh can also be observed as the finder of many movie stars, including Tim Roth, Gary Oldman and Brenda Blethyn. In Uherské Hradiště, Mike Leigh will introduce a complex retrospective of his films as well as the three films that have inspired him the most, including Milos Forman’s Loves of a Blonde.

“It is mostly young people who attend the festival and we are happy to acquaint them both with young aspiring artists as well as the legends who formed Czech and European film. In this regard, we are very honoured to announce that Mike Leigh has accepted our invitation and is coming to the festival,” said director of programming Iva Hejlíčková.