US Premiere
Narrative Feature 2024 | Czech/Slovak/French/Italian/Russian | 130 minutes
• Closing Night
• WINNER: HIFF27 Zicherman Family Foundation Screenwriting Award
Set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida, and featuring an astonishing ensemble of award-winning actors and breakouts alike, WAVES traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family—led by a well-intentioned but domineering father—as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss. From acclaimed director Trey Edward Shults (KRISHA, HIFF 2015), WAVES is a heartrending story about the universal capacity for compassion and growth even in the darkest of times.
Amidst the chaos of the Prague Spring in 1968, young technician Tomáš (Vojtěch Vodochodský) begins working at Czechoslovak Radio alongside a group of dedicated journalists broadcasting evidence of Communist censorship. These brazen actions catch the attention of the insidious secret police, who pressure Tomáš to deliver intel on his coworkers in order to protect his rebellious younger brother. Winner of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Audience Award and based on true events, Jiří Mádl's engrossing political thriller illustrates the inherent risks of resistance in the face of oppression.
