This film screened on Saturday 29th April 2017. 

Screening as part of the Czech New Wave season, April 8th to 30th. A multi-event pass is available in person or by phone at the IFI Box Office – 5 events for €45

A grand ball has been arranged by a small town’s fire brigade in honour of their oldest-serving member because he is dying of cancer. He will be ceremoniously presented with a golden hatchet at the event which will include a live band, an auction and a beauty contest all of which is disastrously and hilariously derailed through the rampant corruption, ineptitude and internecine squabbling of the firemen. Miloš Forman’s depiction of a self-serving institute’s descent into farcical dysfunction can be read as a satirical commentary on the failings – although well intentioned – of the Communist system.