Ladislav Smoljak (9 December 1931 - 6 June 2010) was a Czech theatre and film director, screenwriter and actor, best known as the co-creator of the fictional genius Jára Cimrman and a driving force behind the Divadlo Járy Cimrmana (Theatre of Jára Cimrman). Together with Zdeněk Svěrák, he co-wrote and directed most of the theatre's plays from the late 1960s until his death. His film comedies - among them Kulový blesk and Marečku, podejte mi pero! - remain staples of Czech cinema.
In May 2026, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal of the Žižkov Theatre of Járy Cimrman and confirmed that Filip Smoljak - heir to the copyright after Ladislav Smoljak - is entitled to approximately 130 thousand crowns for unauthorized performances of plays in 2019 and 2020.
In August 2025, the Supreme Court rejected Filip Smoljak's appeal in a dispute over personality protection with the publishers of Respekt and Hospodářské noviny, finding that critical articles about the dispute concerning copyright to the plays of the Járy Cimrman Theatre constituted permissible criticism.
On the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the creation of the character Járy Cimrman, Czech media recalled Smoljak's key contribution to the development of the Cimrman phenomenon and his initial skepticism toward the entire project.
The Žižkov Theatre of Járy Cimrman concluded a settlement with Filip Smoljak at the Prague City Court and committed to paying him nearly 88 thousand crowns for plays by his father Ladislav Smoljak performed in 2015-2017.
in 3 days
Summer cinema Kultovka screens a classic Czech comedy about a family trying to buy a cottage from an elderly man. A story full of unexpected twists and heartfelt moments.
Summer cinema screening of the cult film about Jára Cimrman, a fictional genius of Prague theatre, in the pleasant setting of Panelka in Luleč.
Summer cinema screening in Holešovická tržnice. Free entry, starts at 21:00.
A Czechoslovak film about a man who returns to school and must come to terms with his son being the better student. A comedy about education, family, and overcoming obstacles.
An English-language production of the classic Czech comedy about a polar expedition, performed by British professional actors based in Prague.