Born in 1965 in Žarec, Jan Svěrák is one of the most successful Czech film directors since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. He is the son of the prominent screenwriter and actor Zdeněk Svěrák. He studied documentary filmmaking at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. He and his films have received dozens of awards, including the Academy Award, Crystal Globe, Golden Globe, and Tokyo Grand Prix. Filmography: Ropáci (Oilgobblers) (1988), Academy Award for Best Student Film; Obecná škola (The Elementary School) (1991), Nomination for Academy Award; Jízda (The Ride) (1994), Crystal Globe Award at Karlovy Vary Festival; Akumulátor 1 (Accumulator 1) (1994); Kolja (Kolya) (1996), Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film; Tmavomodrý svět (Dark Blue World) (2001); Tatínek (2004); Vratné lahve (Empties) (2007).
Czech Republic