Petr Václav: I still take care of Mysliveček, I accompany him around Europe

Is the Czech Lion for the best film just a joy or a satisfaction for you?

I don’t know if they are satisfied, but the people who create cinematography also give that award. Among them are directors, actors, editors and others, mostly people who understand film. Many of us know each other, we respect each other. So the price from them is important.

You’ve been working on Il Boemo for a very long time, but at the same time it’s been a long time since you finished it. Is he still alive for you?

I still take care of him. Now I’m accompanying him around Italy, we have a premiere in French cinema distribution, so I’m already working on other projects, but every time Il Boe gets the green light, I start the engines and it’s just as alive for me as it was five years ago.

Do people in different countries perceive him the same way?

No, I think the understanding is different. For example, in the Czech Republic there was a lot of talk about the fact that the Czech genius is surrounded by decadent people in the film, while in Italy, for example, they understand more that those people have their own quality.

Here, for example, he sees his classy lover from Venice a little more negatively than in Italy. Every audience is sensitive to slightly different things, but that’s not that important. What is important is what we tell in the main lines.

Is Mysliveček better known in Italy, where he lived and created, than he was in our country?

Not really, but we are working to make him popular again there thanks to the film.

Barbara Ronchiová, who was nominated for acting in a leading role, also came from Italy to attend the Czech Lions ceremony. How did she like the festive evening?

Of course she couldn’t understand a lot of things, but I think she still enjoyed him.