“And even if nothing turned out how we’d hoped, it would not have changed what we’d hoped for,” Jean-Luc Godard says in the spot he has directed for the 22nd Ji.hlava IDFF.

The festival, the new edition of which will take place from 25-30 October this year, released its spot, directed by the legendary French-Swiss master, during the recent 53rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. “The festival spot comes in the format of a short film, an intimate haiku. Even within the confines of this minute-long, minimalistic format, Jean-Luc Godard remained loyal to his signature method of layering meanings and references. Each new viewing opens up new interpretations,” says Marek Hovorka, the director of the Ji.hlava IDFF.

“Godard sets filmmaking in the context of the history of the arts and works with references to popular works of fine art. At the same time, it shows how inseparable the work is from the author and how important a role inner authenticity plays in terms of authorship. Flipping through photos in Godard’s cell phone, the history of the arts spontaneously alternates with his own memories, selfies and the perspective of a dog that gives the human position a different angle,” he continues.

This year’s festival spot follows in the tradition of outstanding works made for the gathering by such figures as Godfrey Reggio, Jan Němec and Jóhann Jóhannsson. The event, one of the most prominent European festivals focusing on documentary cinema and the largest event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, will announce its full programme in the coming months.

Check out the trailer below: