ARAS Provocations: Screening of 120 BPM

Early 1990s. AIDS has been claiming cruel victims for a decade, yet activists from the Paris chapter of ACT UP are still battling public indifference, government apathy, and the machinations of pharmaceutical companies. Newcomer Nathan meets Sean, a radical within the movement whose political struggle is also a fight for his own life. Sean is HIV positive and his time is running out…

The film, whose title refers both to heart rate monitoring and to the house beat of the era's dance clubs, offers an unconventional look at community members who chose to "live politics in the first person."

The film is presented as part of the ARAS provokace series (Association of Directors, Screenwriters and Dramaturges), curated by Marek Čermák and Tomasz Wiński.

Marek Čermák – Czech director, screenwriter, and producer. His work focuses primarily on auteur documentary and fiction projects with an emphasis on social themes, personal stories, and contemporary Czech reality. He also collaborates on television and independent audiovisual projects.

Tomasz Wiński – Polish-Czech director and screenwriter based in the Czech Republic. A graduate of Prague's FAMU, he focuses on intimate psychological dramas and relationship stories. His films have been shown at numerous international festivals and are marked by a sensitive realistic style and an emphasis on emotions and human relationships.

For the post-screening discussion, they have invited Radim Špaček, a Czech film and television director and screenwriter who is one of the leading figures of contemporary Czech cinema. He is best known for the films Pouta, Místa, and the TV miniseries Zlatá labuť. His work focuses on character psychology, moral dilemmas, and social themes, often with a strong atmosphere and realistic storytelling.

Admission – 200 CZK

Accessibility – suitable for teens, dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible

Vibe check – seating available, indoor venue

Organized by – Edison Filmhub Edison Filmhub is a stylish arthouse cinema and café in the center of Prague, focused on European film, festival titles, and a curated program. In addition to premieres and screenings of classic films, it also hosts discussions with guests, thematic film cycles, and special screenings emphasizing the social and cultural context of film. The cinema is housed in the iconic functionalist building of the former Edison transformer station from the 1920s.