Like Škvorecký, who had to emigrate to North America to continue his work, Nďmec was forced to flee his homeland in 1974, during the height of Soviet 'normalization' in the Czech Republic. Communist officials were none too fond of the filmmakers' work, which included the arrival of Soviet tanks in Prague Aug. 21, 1968, seen in his brilliant Oratorio for Prague.

Since returning to the Czech Republic, Nďmec has been behind the camera as much as ever, making In the Light of the King's Love in 1990 and this last year a biopic Toyen, on the fascinating Czech surrealist artist, one of the few women to penetrate this club. Scarcely a dry eye in the house is expected when the 69-year-old Nďmec is handed his Crystal Globe for Outstanding Achievement.

The stars are expected to shine as usual during the film fest: Karel Roden, who recently starred in the English-lingo Shut Up and Shoot Me, will be serving on the main prize jury, seated next to Leila Hatami, who wowed audiences last year in Portrait of a Lady Faraway, and Coleman Hough, Steven Soderburgh's screenwriter on his latest low-budget sensation, Bubble.

The fest will also witness the world premiere of Jan Hřebejk's new feature, Kráska v nesnázích (Beauty in Trouble), putting the renowned comedy director in his third race for a Crystal Globe.