Jan Švankmajer, at his 85 years of age, is one of the most prominent artists of European cinema. His work which has inspired and guided generations of directors, represents an entirely unique, sharp, and merciless exploration of human nature. Films such as Alice, Faust, and Little Otik changed forever the image of stop-motion and opened a world of possibilities in terms of the representation of the inner self. The directors of Alchemical Furnace followed the life of Jan Švankmajer over three years, from his collaboration with the producer Jaromír Kallista to his memory of Eva Švankmajerová, his wife and creative partner. Shot on various film formats, using found footage and with a touch of Czech humour, the film is an ode to creation and to companionship.

Writer / Adam Oľha , Jan Daňhel    DoP / Adam Oľha , Jakub Halousek    Editor / Jan Daňhel    Sound / Ivo Špalj , Tobias Potočný

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