The documentary film from Plzeň maps the technical landmarks of the region

Plzeň - A new documentary film maps around forty of the most significant technical monuments in the Plzeň Region, which was created over the course of about a year at the audiovisual studio of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň (ZČU). The eighty-minute film presents unique bridges, power plants, paper mills, glassworks, mills, forges, and other objects in the region. It also mentions significant figures such as František Křižík, as well as the oldest Plzeň tram from the year 1898. The authors describe the monuments as living; people who still interact with them today appear in the film, Tomáš Jílek from the ZČU Department of History told ČTK.
    According to Jílek, the most interesting among them are indeed the mills and forges. "There are about five forges in the region, but only two of them are partially operational," Jílek stated. One of them is, for example, the forge in Měštiště in Klatovy, which was renovated by a private owner. Another object—the forge in Dobřívě in Rokycansko—is considered the most significant monument of its kind in the Czech Republic. Even during World War II, agricultural tools were produced there, but production was halted in 1949. In the early 1960s, there was even consideration of its demolition. It was declared a cultural monument in 1963.
    "Part of the document is also dedicated to power plants in the Vydra River area and directly in Plzeň, as well as interesting facts related to electricity production with us," Jílek added. The project, which is funded by the Plzeň Region and stems from longstanding cooperation with ZČU, was preceded by a short film about technical monuments.
    The document, which was supported by three educators from ZČU, is intended for the representation of the region in information centers, cultural institutions, and schools. "We would also like to prepare texts for elementary and secondary schools that will familiarize students with technical monuments," Jílek added. In addition to the new documentary called Tempus rerum imperator or Journey to the Technical Monuments of Plzeň, the university team is also preparing a film dedicated to the castle ruins of the Plzeň Region. Next year, they are considering making a film about urban heritage reserves in the region.
    The university team has already completed a film capturing the most beautiful natural monuments of Plzeň, a documentary focusing on the protected area of Český les, and another dedicated to the traditions of folk culture in the region.
    The premiere of the new film about technical monuments will take place on January 10 at the E building of the ČEZ center in Plzeň. Afterwards, it will be screened by ZČU, and it will also be presented to the public by various information centers and institutions in the region.