The Cinematheque

Czech Republic

“A sumptuous costume piece that’s also an ambitious slice of musical archaeology … A visually and musically vivid film [with] ripely conceived backstage and bedroom intrigue.”

Jonathan Romney, Screen International

Award-winning director Petr Václav’s lush, visually gorgeous historical drama is a stirring biopic of the 18th-century Czech composer Josef Mysliveček. The film chronicles his struggles and triumphs as an outsider trying desperately to make it as an opera composer in cut-throat, cosmopolitan Venice. Mysliveček is a man of talent, but also possesses considerable charm, and he’s not above using his multiple sexual conquests to advance his progress from court to court. After one affair with a well-connected woman, he gets his chance: a commission to write an opera for the Teatro di San Carlo, Europe’s largest opera house at the time. But will his work be accepted? Selected as the Czech Republic’s candidate for Best International Feature to the 95th Academy Awards.

In Czech, German, and Italian with English subtitles

Best Film, Director, Sound, Art Direction, Costumes, Makeup
Czech Lions 2023

“For newcomers to [Mysliveček’s] oeuvre, its glorious musical treatment here is the film’s overriding pleasure … The film’s Italian milieu couldn’t be more vividly illustrated, fusing rich historical locations with grandiose design work by Irena Hradecká and Luca Servino.” Guy Lodge, Variety

Streaming
December 1 (Friday) through
December 17 (Sunday)

To stream this film:
Follow this link to the virtual platform.
Purchase a ticket for $12 (plus tax) or purchase a multi-film pass (details below). 

Once rented, you will have 72 hours to start the film.
If you are having technical issues with the stream, please click here.
You can also contact EUFF directly by emailing info@​euffonline.​ca.

This film is available to stream in Canada only. 

Five Virtual Film Bundle: $50 (plus tax)
Online Festival Pass: $100 (plus tax) 

Please note: Tickets to in-person screenings do not include access to online EUFF offerings, nor vice versa.