Filmmakers in Focus: Věra Chytilová

Film critic Carmen Gray and film writer Ela Bittencourt discuss three films by trailblazing Czech filmmaker Věra Chytilová.

A key figure of the Czech New Wave, Věra Chytilová brought a daring and innovative approach to filmmaking. Her earlier works, including A Bagful of Fleas (1962), were inspired by the documentary tradition. Her best known film, Daisies (1966), is a visionary masterpiece of the New Wave period. Traps (1998), a dark comedy about a woman seeking revenge, is a highlight of her later career. Film critic Carmen Gray and film writer Ela Bittencourt discuss these three films by the trailblazing Czech filmmaker.

A Bagful of Fleas, Daisies and Traps are now available to watch on BFI Player, alongside a couple of additional works directed by Věra Chytilová. Recorded in April 2021.