Silver medal Jiří Menzel proof

The silver commemorative medal from the Czech Mint is a valuable memento of the legend of Czech cinema – Jiří Menzel.

"Ever since my first film – Closely Watched Trains – I have said that I want to make films that restore people's zest for life. That is my motto. So I am consistent," said Jiří Menzel, who won a prestigious Oscar for the aforementioned film. Other works by the world-famous Czech director were also inspired by the literary world of Bohumil Hrabal – specifically Larks on a String, Cutting It Short, The Snowdrop Festival, and I Served the King of England. Both artists were united by a similar style – nostalgic, poetic, and with a touch of gentle humor... Menzel transferred Hrabal's celebration of everyday life to the silver screen with extraordinary conviction. Situations familiar to ordinary people gave the films authenticity, and the deeply human characters evoked empathy in the audience. The stories often turned to the past – to a time that the director perceived as a lost paradise and which he reconstructed through mood and imagery rather than literal descriptions. The authenticity of the films was also greatly enhanced by scenic yet magical Czech locations... Other timeless works that continue to inspire generations of filmmakers was born out of Menzel's affinity with Vladislav Vančura and Zdeněk Svěrák, whose work was imbued with a kind view of people and the world, often focused on rural environments with a dreamlike atmosphere.

Medalist MgA.Martin Dašek dedicated the obverse side of the commemorative medal to a faithful portrait of Jiří Menzel. On the reverse side, you will find the director's signature, his dates of birth and death, and the number 88, which commemorates the number of years that have passed since his birth. All of this is supplemented with a film strip.

The commemorative medal, which comes in a themed package, is being released in a limited edition of only 200 pieces.