Tankový prapor: The history of the first private Czech feature film

The 1991 film ‘Tankový prapor’ holds a significant place in Czech cinema history as the first feature-length film produced by a private company, Bonton, following the nationalization of the industry in 1945. During production, the creators faced legal uncertainties because existing laws still granted a monopoly to the state-run Barrandov studios.

Director Vít Olmer, who had not served in the military, had to navigate complex negotiations to secure military equipment. Because parliamentary rules prohibited the army from providing services for profit, the production required special permission from the Chief of the General Staff to use tanks. Despite the film becoming a major commercial success, Olmer received a fee of only 7,500 CZK for his work.