As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for historical dramas that resonate deeply, I find “Waves” to be an exceptional piece of cinematic artistry. The story of Czechoslovakian radio and its brave journalists during the Soviet invasion is not just a tale of bravery and resilience, but also a testament to the power of truth and free speech in the face of oppression.
As Jiří Mádl, the director and writer of “Waves”, delved into the history of Czechoslovakian radio during his journalism studies, he stumbled upon a puzzle that didn’t fit neatly together.
Mádl stated, ‘I was aware of the events in ’68 and understood the significant part the radio played during those times. I knew the troops arrived and severed the building, but it never occurred to me that the radio station could be affected since it was cut off. Yet, I wondered, how did the journalists continue to broadcast?’
The unexplored period, as Mádl describes it, sparked extensive research over many years, delving into archives, books, and materials about the team of journalists from Czechoslovak Radio‘s International News Office. The focus of “Waves,” the Czech Republic’s submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, is a groundbreaking broadcast and the courageous journalists who put their lives on the line in its creation.
As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but marvel at one of the movie’s crucial moments – the portrayal of Soviet tanks breaching the nation, with courageous citizens rallying around the radio station in an attempt to preserve their broadcast. The filmmakers painstakingly scoured the landscape for a month and a half, seeking the ideal exterior for the radio station and the most authentic hallways, a task made challenging by the modernized appearance of many Czech Republic’s streets today.
Since the actual radio station no longer operates, “Waves” decided to utilize Barrandov Studios, the biggest film studio in the Czech Republic, instead.
Mádl stated that we constructed the radio station within Barrandov Studios. Everything was designed based on photographs, and unfortunately, we weren’t granted approval to position real tanks in front of the radio building. As a result, we could only install a wooden replica of the tank’s upper portion.
To create a seamless appearance, the team captured various additional footage of the tanks at distinct locations across the nation, some as far as two hours outside of Prague.
Mádl stated that it was challenging, yet crucial for us to constantly be aware of our location and actions. He questioned, ‘Where exactly does the linkage lie within the framework that ensures smoothness?’ It required extensive engineering, he added.
The film “Waves” blends together past and current events, seamlessly integrating historical archive footage from the Soviet invasion with Madl’s captivating reenactment of history. This technique frequently leaves the audience uncertain about whether they are watching archive footage or a reconstruction.
Mádl discovered suitable archive material for his film following the completion of the script. He collaborated closely with his cinematographer, production designer, and editor throughout the editing process.
Madl advised, “Don’t let yourself be overly captivated by the archive; instead, focus on telling the story. Initially, there was a distinct form, which I refer to as the ‘Christmas Tree.’ Later, we merely added the decoration on top of it.
Approximately half a year prior to filming, our team faced an approximately 20% reduction in funding due to escalating costs associated with the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
As a devoted cinephile, I found myself in a predicament, compelled to trim six precious shooting days from our production schedule. A minor subplot revolving around the political figure Alexander Dubček presented an insurmountable challenge, and unfortunately, had to be abandoned. In retrospect, there were instances where the lack of sufficient funds weighed heavily on my mind. However, I am profoundly thankful that we persevered and brought this film to fruition. Consequently, the sacrifices made along the way often fade into the background for me.
Although Mádl gathered a vast amount of information through extensive research, there were inconsistencies when interacting with some of the real journalists involved in the story. From their point of view, these events that were supposed to be shared experiences, weren’t remembered identically.
Madl stated that he found it unexpected as he had assumed there would be a set rule or explanation about the situation, similar to what historians provide. However, he discovered that this was not the case. The journalists’ story was intended to remain concealed and buried by the Soviet Union. Following the invasion, they destroyed all related records and dismissed the journalists from their radio station. Moreover, they compelled them to emigrate.
In completing the story, Mádl relied heavily on his gut feelings, choosing what appeared most plausible – a move reminiscent of the bold step the main character in the movie must make to share the truth.
As of now, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying the captivating film titled ‘Waves,’ which was unveiled abroad in the beautiful Czech Republic on August 15th. However, I’m eagerly awaiting its premiere here in the United States, as I can’t wait to share this cinematic experience with my fellow movie enthusiasts.
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2024-11-27 00:17