(live action and animation, in Czech with English subtitles)

Ages 8+

Preceded by a short film about the Karel Zeman Museum!

Inspired by the novels of Jules Verne, this rediscovered and newly restored gem by renowned Czech animator and designer, Karel Zeman, pays tribute to the films of Georges Méliès, and predates the steampunk craze by decades. Fantastical machines, a deadly submarine, and science put to nefarious ends all figure into the film, which seems, at times, ripped from today’s headlines. A maniacal mogul kidnaps a brilliant but doddering scientist and tricks him into creating a weapon of mass destruction, while his enslaved assistant seeks a way to warn the world. Live action combines with innovative and quirky animated imagery based on Victorian steel engravings. Once seen, you’ll never forget this classic film!
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“The digital restoration of the film Invention for Destruction is a part of the project “Restoring the World of Fantasy”. Project partners are The Czech Film Foundation, The Karel Zeman Museum and Czech Television in cooperation with Universal Production Partners with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and with support of The Minister of Culture of Czech Republic Mgr. Daniel Herman.”
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Content advisory: Kidnapping, fighting and a futuristic story about a giant weapon, told with great imagination and artistry.