The Ark of Lights and Shadows

Wilderness. Most Czechs think of the African savannah or tropical rainforest destroyed by "irresponsible" indigenous peoples. However, we should not forget that it was we - Europeans - who were among the first to get rid of large mammals - their supposed animal competitors. The old wildernesses have thus irretrievably disappeared. However, some actions are now bringing them back. But can we live side by side with wolves, bears or bison? The documentary film WILDLIFE brings to mind the efforts of people who have dedicated their lives to protecting creatures that have been persecuted for generations and examines how our society perceives wilderness as a cultural phenomenon.

This is the story of the Bohemian King, Přemysl Otakar II, and the forgotten pilgrim, Odorik, who was the first-ever European to set eyes on Tibet. This medieval road movie brings an unconventional view to these two great figures of Czech medieval history. While the character of Odorik, regarded as the “Bohemian Marco Polo,” is practically unknown to us, the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar II is either demonized or dismissed by the traditional clichés of the “Iron and Golden King.” In a private conversational format, the film’s author gives us a glimpse of this medieval world, set nearly 700 years apart from our modern context. But nothing has been lost in terms of this world’s impact or relevance, for both Odorik and Přemysl have outlived their time. Their lives are surprisingly endearing and touch on many of our current feelings.