Czech Film Revisits Dark Chapter In History (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Summary

The script recounts the tragic history of the Czech village of Lidice, destroyed by the Nazis in 1942. It details the story of the assassination attempt on Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich by Czechoslovak resistance fighters. The aftermath led to the massacre of 340 villagers and the obliteration of the village. The script also highlights the efforts of the Czech film industry, with the support of private investors and volunteers, to bring this forgotten chapter to the big screen in a film set to release in 2011, ensuring the world remembers the atrocities and heroism of Lidice.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The village of Lalisov, northwest of Prague, played a significant role in Czech history, particularly during the Nazi occupation.
• 🎥 The Czech film industry is bringing the story of Lalisov to the big screen in a film titled 'Oz Nominá Oh Sohniye', almost 70 years after the events.
• 🔍 The film documents the atrocity committed by the Nazi regime in 1942, when the village was destroyed and its inhabitants killed.
• 🇨🇿 The story involves British-trained Czechoslovak resistance fighters who attempted to assassinate the Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich.
• ⚔️ Reinhard Heydrich was injured in the assassination attempt and died shortly after, leading to the destruction of Lalisov by the Nazis.
• 🔥 In retaliation for the assassination attempt, 340 people from Lalisov were killed, and the village was burned to the ground.
• 📽️ The film's trailer reveals the dramatic narrative of the real-life events, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of the resistance fighters.
• 🏞️ Today, a new Lalisov stands nearby the original site, with monuments commemorating the tragedy.
• 🌐 The film faced financial challenges due to the global financial crisis but was saved by small-scale private investors and local funders.
• 🤝 The support from the public, even in small amounts, was symbolic and demonstrated a collective belief in the importance of telling this story.
• 🎮 An earlier attempt to educate young people about the tragedy through an online video game called 'Total Burnout of Lalisov' was met with public opposition and withdrawn.
• 📅 The film's release in 2011 is intended to ensure that the story of Lalisov is immortalized for both the Czech public and the world.

Q & A

What is the significance of the village Lalisa in Czech history?

Lalisa is significant because it was destroyed by the Nazi regime in 1942 as a response to the assassination attempt on Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich by Czechoslovak resistance fighters.

What event led to the destruction of Lalisa by the Nazi regime?

The assassination attempt on Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi leader of occupied Czechoslovakia, led to the destruction of Lalisa as the Nazis suspected the village of harboring the assassins or their helpers.

How many people were killed when Lalisa was destroyed by the German troops?

Three hundred and forty men, women, and children were killed when Lalisa was destroyed.

What is the current state of Lalisa after its destruction?

A new village stands nearby, and monuments mark the site of the tragedy to commemorate the event.

Why is the Czech film industry bringing the story of Lalisa to the big screen?

The Czech film industry is bringing the story to the big screen to ensure this chapter in history is not forgotten and to educate the public about the atrocities that occurred.

What was the financial situation of the film project about Lalisa?

The film project faced financial difficulties due to the global financial crisis, but it was saved by small scale private investors and local funders who contributed to the three million dollar project.

What was the public's response to the film project about Lalisa?

The public showed interest and support for the film project, with many people contributing financially, even if it was just a small amount, which was symbolic for them.

What was the previous attempt to draw attention to Lalisa's history before the film?

An online video game called 'Total Burnout of Lalisa' was commissioned by the curators of the Lalisa memorial, but it was quickly withdrawn due to public opposition.

What is the goal of the film producers when the film about Lalisa is released in 2011?

The goal of the film producers is to help immortalize the story of Lalisa not only for the Czech public but also for the rest of the world.

What was the initial reaction to the online video game about Lalisa's history?

The initial reaction to the online video game was negative, leading to its withdrawal due to public opposition.

How did the public's support manifest in the film project about Lalisa?

The public's support manifested through financial contributions, even small amounts, which were symbolic for the contributors and showed their belief in the importance of telling the story.