Veteran Czech director Jirí Menzel pays homage to silent Chaplinesque comedy in this engrossing tale of one man's amazing career in occupied postwar Czechoslovakia.

Its stony-faced pint-sized protagonist Jan Dite (Oldrich Kaiser) is loveable not only for his charm and comic personality, but also because of his very human flaws as he pursues life's riches as a waiter and hotelier.

Based on a novel by Bohumil Hrabal, one of the great 20th-century Czech writers, this lavishly indulgent paean to food, flesh and fierce ambition is a modern Menzel masterpiece. Saluting the resilience of the Czech nation and its people, it's also a fascinating insight into Czech history, politics, humour and aspirations.

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• It's My Surprising Festival
  If this show interests you, see other My Surprising Festival events

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•  Somerville

  Mon 31 Dec–Sun 6 Jan, 8.30pm

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  Somerville

  Address: University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Crawley

  Phone: (08) 6488 1732

  Savour 132 fabulous nights of the best world cinema under the stars at the magnificent picture garden, the Somerville Auditorium. Direct from international festivals, all the films are first release abd exclusive to the Perth Festival. What better way to spend an evening than picnicking with friends before the sun sets and the silver screen lights up?
  
  Bring a picnic or select from the mouthwatering summer foods available at the Somerville from Picasso's, one of Perth's finest caterers. Dishes include appetisers, more substantial meals and desserts, or pre-order a gourmet hamper at picassos.com.au or 9328 1611 (minimum of 3 days' prior notice). Gift vouchers are available for all hampers and meals.
  
  INFO: 6488 1732
  From 6.30pm nightly: 0410 699 075
  Lost property: 6488 2691
  
  Parking available around the university, entrance at the Winthrop Ave and Stirling Hwy intersection.
  
  Door sales from 6.30pm nightly.
  Picnickers are welcome from 6.30pm but must be seated by 8.15pm.
  Screenings cancelled if raining.

   Joondalup Pines

  Mon 7–Sun 13 Jan, 8.30pm

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  Joondalup Pines

  Address: Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Drive, Joondalup

  Phone: 6304 5888

  Joondalup Pines is the only premier outdoor cinema north of Perth, situated in the heart of Joondalup on the Edith Cowan University campus.

  Its lakeside setting and BBQ facilities make this absolutely ideal for catching up with friends for a picnic and chat before the film starts at 8.30pm.
  
  The Pines' new caterers, the Butty Bar, has coffee, snacks, ice-creams and drinks available nightly from 7pm, with a variety of delicious hot and cold food on offer Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Gourmet hampers (available Thursdays to Saturdays) can be ordered in advance at thebuttybar@aapt.net.au or 9301 4800 before 2.30pm (Monday to Friday).
  
  INFO: 6304 5888
  From 7.30pm nightly: 0407 420 503
  
  Parking available at the university, follow on campus signage for availabe car parks.
  
  Door sales from 7.30pm nightly.
  Patrons are welcome to picnic lakeside from 6.30pm but must be seated by 8.15pm.
  Screenings cancelled if raining.

  
  

  Picknickers are welcome from 6pm

• Price

  • Standard 10 Ticket Pack $108
  • Friends 10 Ticket Pack $105
  • 6 Ticket Pack $69
  • Lotto Players 6 Ticket Pack $66
  • Standard $14
  • Friends $11.5
  • Concession $10

• Festival Info

  6488 5555

• Other Info

  Note: This film contains moderate sex scenes, nudity and moderate violence.