Same time, next year Martin Pachovsky, the director of the 1996 Prague International Film Festival, is gradually beginning to assess this year's event and think about next year's.

"Our conception of the festival is long-term, at least five years. The trends are clear, and we will continue to deepen them. One of our main goals is to bring good films to a city which is flooded with commercial films. After our experiences this year we plan next year to lean even more towards demanding, 'club' films, which is what generated most interest this year. Our second aim, which this year was completely met, is to allow filmmakers to meet. This is a part of the festival which may not be the most visible, but is very important. This year's panel discussion with producers was very lucrative in this respect."

Is there a difference in the way the festival is received here and its image abroad ?

"The difference is fundamental. While Czechs mostly see the shortcomings, foreigners are more accommodating and tolerant. Perhaps it is because they see not only the festival but also Prague, which they find bewitching. Czechs are deprived of this, unfortunately."

What will you be thinking about most in connection with next year's festival?

"The question is whether it wouldn't after all be better to concentrate the festival on one site in Prague. We are also asking whether audiences are used to buying tickets in advance through Ticketpro."

When are you starting on next year's event ? On Sunday, or will you wait until Monday?

"We'll wait until Monday." Radka Prchalová

Deauville Films expected to screen at the Deauville Film Festival - taking place from 30 August - 8 September -

include Norman Jewison's Bogus with Whoopi Goldberg and Gérard Depardieu, Nick Cassavetes' Unhooked starring his mother, Gena Rowlands, Abel Ferrara's The Funeral with Christopher Walken and Annabella Sciorra; and Rob Cohen's Dragonheart with Dennis Quaid and Sean Connery. Isabelle Huppert is expected to head up the jury which is to select the best independent films submitted to the festival. CP

The Prague International Film Festival was seaborn Thursday, taking its international guests and journalists on an afternoon ride up and down the Vltava River on board the Vsyherad steamer, with a programme of the Polish delegation's press conference, a lunch on deck and Czech Country & Eastern music. Joining the boarding party were, among others, US film attorney Eric Wiseman, his wife and actress Ksenia Prohaska. Last year a jury member in Prague, Wiseman was here to participate in the Producers' Panel.

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