Oil Lamps [screening + Q&A w/ Iva Janžurová]

A special screening of Oil Lamps, directed by Juraj Herz and based on Jaroslav Havlíček's novel, follows young Štěpa’s tragic pursuit of love. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with lead actress Iva Janžurová.

Oil Lamps / dir. Juraj Herz / 1971 / drama / Czechoslovakia / Czech with English subtitles / 101 minutes

In Oil Lamps (Petrolejové lampy), directed by Juraj Herz, we meet Štěpa Kiliánová, a woman who resists the social conventions of her time—and fate itself. This 1971 adaptation of Jaroslav Havlíček’s novel is a masterclass in psychological drama and a showcase of Iva Janžurová’s defining performance. Štěpa, spirited yet emotionally isolated, longs for love but remains tragically alone in her inner world.

Set in a meticulously crafted period environment, the film’s oppressive atmosphere heightens the tension between characters. Herz avoids sentimentality, emphasizing detail, symbolism, and visual metaphor. Janžurová’s Štěpa is impulsive, earthy, and fragile—often comical, never ridiculed—a tragic mirror of female desire, sacrifice, and disillusionment.

Oil Lamps reflects not only an unhappy woman’s story but also the decline of bourgeois society, the futility of escaping entrenched norms, and the loneliness inherent to the human condition. In 2024, its digitally restored version screened in the Revivals section at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, reaffirming the film’s enduring significance and timeless cinematic language.

DISCLAIMER

Tickets and Admission: Tickets are free and may be sold in excess of venue capacity. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; late arrivals may be denied entry once capacity is reached. All ticket sales are final. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the show starts; latecomers may be refused admission.

Media Recording Notice: By attending this event hosted by the Czech Center New York, you consent to being photographed and recorded. The Czech Center New York and its partners may use these images and recordings for promotional purposes.

Health and Safety: By attending this event at the Czech Center New York, you acknowledge and accept that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The Czech Center New York is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other health-related issues that may arise before, during, or after the event. We encourage all guests to follow current health guidelines and act responsibly for their own safety and that of others.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street, New York, United States