The Firemen’s Ball

film by Forman [1967]

Also known as: “Hoří, má panenko”

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June 26, 2026

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The Firemen's Ball (1967) is a satirical film directed by Miloš Forman. It was part of the Czech New Wave period, known for its focus on everyday life and gentle social commentary. The film humorously depicts a firemen's ball where various mishaps and social dynamics unfold, ultimately revealing the characters' petty concerns and moral failings. Despite its critical acclaim and international recognition, the film was banned in Czechoslovakia following the Soviet invasion in 1968, leading Forman to immigrate to the United States.12

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Miloš Forman
…in Hoří, má panenko (1967; The Firemen’s Ball), which explored social and moral issues with gentle satire. When The Firemen’s Ball was banned in Czechoslovakia after the Soviet invasion of 1968, Forman immigrated to the United States; he became a U.S. citizen in 1975.
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…in Hoří, má panenko (1967; The Firemen’s Ball), which explored social and moral issues with gentle satire. When The Firemen’s Ball was banned in Czechoslovakia after the Soviet invasion of 1968, Forman immigrated to the United States; he became a U.S. citizen in 1975.
Read More