Ota Dvorsky

BOOKS

Ota Dvorsky’s works explore the rich history of Czechoslovak cinema and the creative lives of filmmakers during politically challenging times. His newly launched novel, OUTB, delves into the struggles, resilience, and imagination of artists, preserving their legacy for new generations.

ONCE UPON A TIME

AT BARRANDOV

The story of Once Upon a Time at Barrandov unfolds between 1968 and 1973, a pivotal period in the history of Barrandov Film Studio’s children’s film division. During this time, the studio produced beloved films such as I’m Jumping Over Puddles Again and Three Nuts for Cinderella, along with the iconic TV series Pan Tau, commissioned by West German public broadcaster WDR.

The story begins just before the Warsaw Pact’s occupation of Prague, when the children’s film group was abruptly disbanded, and its leaders, screenwriters František Pavlíček and Jan Procházka, were dismissed. In this challenging moment, Procházka appointed his colleague, screenwriter and dramaturge Ota Hofman, as his successor. Despite the uncertainty, the creative team remained committed to their work, fully aware that their efforts carried consequences not only for themselves but also for their families, and their story is now shared with readers worldwide through the launched book.

Book In Czech

Tenkrát na Barrandově

Bylo, nebylo. Kdysi na kopci nad Prahou stávalo filmové studio, a pokud vím, stojí tam dodnes jako stále se měnící stroj na sny a příběhy…

Děj novely Tenkrát na Barrandově se odehrává v letech 1968–1973 v prostředí barrandovské tvůrčí skupiny dětského filmu. V tomto historicky velice zajímavém období skupina vyprodukovala filmy jako Už zase skáču přes kaluže, Tři oříšky pro Popelku a na zakázku pro německou veřejnoprávní televizi WDR seriál Pan Tau.

Napínavý, místy dojemný příběh o tom, že velké věci lze dělat i navzdory nepřekonatelným překážkám doby, začíná několik měsíců předtím, než do Prahy vtrhnou okupační tanky Varšavské smlouvy. Poté na Barrandov přichází nové vedení, konají se stranické prověrky a všude panuje strach a nervozita. Tvůrčí skupina dětského filmu je rozpuštěna a scenáristé František Pavlíček a Jan Procházka, který do té doby skupině šéfoval, musí odejít. Procházka si jako svého nástupce vybere kolegu, scenáristu a dramaturga Otu Hofmana.

Book Of The Year

IN SIDE THE BOOK

10+ Award Achieved

Ota Hofman’s timeless creations, including Pan Tau and Three Nuts for Cinderella, earned international acclaim. His legacy continues through Ota Dvorsky’s celebrated storytelling.

Read on any device

Discover OUTB by Ota Dvorsky anywhere you are. Accessible across platforms, the novel brings history, cinema, and resilience to your screen seamlessly.

Audio included

Experience Ota Dvorsky’s OUTB in audio format. Relive the stories of Czechoslovak cinema and history through powerful narration that brings every word alive.

One million readers

Generations have grown up with Ota Hofman’s stories. Ota Dvorsky continues that legacy, reaching new readers worldwide with OUTB and timeless storytelling.