When the Czech countryside turns golden and the air smells of wine and fallen leaves, it’s time for Saint Martin’s Day — a centuries-old celebration that marks the last burst of autumn warmth before winter’s arrival.
In Czech culture, Saint Martin’s Day is about slowing down, being grateful, and enjoying the small joys of life — a glass of wine, a roasted goose, and good company. And just like this cozy tradition, some Czech films perfectly capture the beauty, humor, and poetry of the autumn season.
Grapes Trilogy – A Toast to Life and Wine, Bobule
The Grapes trilogy (Bobule, 2Bobule, 3Bobule) is a love letter to South Moravia — a land of vineyards, sunshine, and heartfelt laughter.
It’s not just a film about wine; it’s about life that tastes like wine.
Honza and Jirka (played by Kryštof Hádek and Lukáš Langmajer) leave the city behind in search of something real — and discover that happiness isn’t found in success, but in slowing down, in friendship, and in appreciating the simple beauty of home.
These films are the cinematic version of a warm autumn afternoon in the vineyards — cheerful, heartfelt, and impossible not to love.
The Snowdrop Festival – Slavnosti sněženek - Czech Autumn at Its Finest
If Czech autumn had a single movie, it would be Jiří Menzel’s The Snowdrop Festival.
Based on Bohumil Hrabal’s stories, this film captures everything we love about life in a small village — laughter, quarrels, philosophy, and humanity. 
It’s a celebration of ordinary people and their extraordinary charm. The characters argue about hunting a wild boar or compete for local pride, but beneath the humor lies tenderness and warmth that are timeless.
Menzel’s gentle touch and Hrabal’s poetic humor turn everyday life into something magical. Watching The Snowdrop Festival feels like spending an afternoon in the countryside — slow, cozy, and beautifully human.
Cutting It Short – Postřižiny - When Beer Smells Like Life
From the same legendary duo, Jiří Menzel and Bohumil Hrabal, comes another autumn masterpiece: Cutting It Short (Postřižiny). 
While Grapes celebrate wine and The Snowdrop Festival praises rural life, Cutting It Short is pure joy — an ode to freedom, love, and the art of living.
The story of Maryška (Magda Vášáryová) and her husband Francin (Jiří Schmitzer) takes place in a small-town brewery where every moment is filled with laughter, sensuality, and the beauty of the ordinary.
The film bubbles with optimism — you can almost smell the beer, the sunshine, and the crisp autumn air.
It’s a movie that reminds us that happiness isn’t complicated — it’s in a smile, in a glass of beer, and in the courage to live fully. 🍺
The Last Sip of Wine, the First Snowflake
Saint Martin’s Day marks the end of the Czech autumn.
The tables are set with goose and wine, and outside, the first hints of winter begin to appear.
It’s a time of reflection — and these films perfectly capture that feeling. Each one celebrates laughter, love, and humanity in its own way.
And as the cold months draw near, we move from the vineyards and villages to a new Czech tradition — the magical season of fairy tales. But that’s a story for next time…
