10 great Slovak New Wave films recommended by the BFI

If you are a foreigner living in Slovakia, you have probably marvelled at its rich history, dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. But have you discovered its cinematic heritage?

The British Film Institute recently published a compelling feature, 10 Great Slovak New Wave Films, spotlighting a lesser-known but significant chapter in Slovak filmmaking.

For expatriates and newcomers alike, this curated list offers a rare glimpse into the country’s artistic spirit during a period of profound change. Here’s why the Slovak New Wave deserves your attention.

What is the Slovak New Wave?

The Slovak New Wave forms part of the broader Czechoslovak New Wave, a cinematic movement that emerged in the 1960s under the communist regime of Czechoslovakia. While attention often centres on Czech filmmakers such as Oscar-winner Miloš Forman and Věra Chytilová, their Slovak counterparts at Bratislava’s Koliba Studios were producing work that was equally daring and inventive. This was an era of artistic defiance, in which directors tested the limits—both creative and ideological—often evading censorship through subtle satire, poetic imagery and unconventional storytelling.

The movement shares a clear lineage with the French New Wave, which had begun to flourish in the late 1950s. Like their French contemporaries—Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut among them—Slovak directors embraced experimentation, broke away from traditional narrative forms and tackled deeply personal, often political, themes. Yet unlike the French, who worked within a relatively open society, Slovak filmmakers operated under the weight of state censorship, making their accomplishments all the more striking.

For foreigners living in Slovakia, exploring this movement offers more than just a cinematic education—it can deepen one’s appreciation of the country’s enduring creativity and resilience. These films capture a society wrestling with identity, authority and transformation—questions that continue to echo today.

Highlights from the British Film Institute list

The BFI’s list, written by Michael Brooke and published on 20 March 2025, serves as a “10-film primer” on Slovakia’s contributions to the movement. Here are a few standout entries that might pique your interest as a resident of Slovakia:

The Barnabáš Kos Case / Prípad Barnabáš Kos (1964)
Directed by Peter Solan, this satirical gem follows a hapless triangle player unexpectedly thrust into leading a prestigious orchestra for cynical reasons. Its biting humour and universal critique of bureaucracy make it an ideal starting point. And with a recent Blu-ray release featuring English subtitles, it is now easily accessible to non-Slovak speakers.

The Sun in a Net / Slnko v sieti (1962)
Often hailed as the first true Czechoslovak New Wave film, Štefan Uher’s masterpiece blends poetic visuals with everyday life in Bratislava. Shots of kids playing and the city’s rooftops adorned with aerials offer a nostalgic glimpse of Slovakia’s capital. It’s a film that captures the essence of a place you now call home.

Pictures of the Old World / Obrazy starého sveta (1972)
Dušan Hanák’s haunting 1972 documentary, offers a quietly powerful portrait of elderly villagers in the Slovak Tatra Mountains. Inspired by the photography of Martin Martinček, the film meditates on solitude, memory and resilience, chronicling the lives of those living in hardship and isolation on the margins of society.

Dragon’s Return / Drak sa vracia (1967)
Eduard Grečner’s haunting tale of a potter returning to his village is a visual and auditory feast, with an atonal score that weaves seamlessly into the narrative. It is a stark reminder of how Slovak filmmakers turned to art to express what could not be said under censorship.

The Man Who Lies / Muž, ktorý luže (1968)
This one is a treat for those who appreciate international flair. French director Alain Robbe-Grillet collaborated with Koliba Studios to craft a surreal, enigmatic narrative — a testament to Slovakia’s role as a creative hub that drew talent from across the globe.

These films — like the others on the list — offer a blend of humour, defiance and beauty, qualities that may feel strikingly familiar as you navigate life in Slovakia.

Why should you care?

As a foreigner living in Slovakia, you might wonder what these decades-old films have to do with your experience here. For one, they are a cultural treasure trove. Watching them offers insight into the wry humour, quiet resistance and deep-rooted sense of place that continue to shape Slovak identity.

They are also remarkably accessible. Thanks to the Slovak Film Institute and the UK-based Second Run, many of these works are available on DVD or Blu-ray, complete with English subtitles — a gift to curious expatriates.

Several titles can also be streamed on dafilms.sk, with English subtitles, for as little as €3 each or €6 for a monthly pass. The Slovak Film Institute has provided The Slovak Spectator with a full list of viewing options, which you will find at the end of this article.

Perhaps most compelling, these films serve as a lens on history. The 1960s marked a turning point in communist Czechoslovakia, culminating in the Prague Spring and its brutal aftermath. Watching how Slovak filmmakers responded to that moment can offer a richer understanding of the country’s past — from communist repression to the long road to independence.

Where to start?

If you are new to Slovak cinema, start with The Barnabáš Kos Case for its dry wit, or The Sun in a Net for its lyrical beauty. Both are available through online retailers, and you may even come across them in larger city libraries in Bratislava or Košice. For the full experience, pair your viewing with a cup of Slovak tea — or a glass of slivovica, if you are feeling brave.