43rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Members of the Jury

Members of the festival jury (L-R) Czech musician Jan P. Muchow, Hungarian-born director of photography Vilmos Zsigmond, Dutch actress Johanna ter Steege, British actress Brenda Blethyn, Czech-born director and jury president Ivan Passer, Palestinian Jewish director Ari Folman and American producer Ted Hope attend a session of the jury during the 43rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on 10 July 2008, in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

by HRM Deborah

Every time I think of the Czech Republic, it reminds me of an exceptional man that my mother I met many years ago; I was about 19 years-old at the time.

Vandimer was his name and he was a world famous chief, what artistry he could do with food, especially presentation was remarkable.

While he was usually a very quite, soft spoken gentleman, which I admired too, he was always kind and would watch over (protected) my mother and I for a time; because as he would say we both where nice proper ladies and even to this day I still smile, along with remember what a very kind man he was.

Something else I do remember, was Vandimer was a very wise man.

In those days, Vandimer still called the country, Czechoslovakia and he was very proud he came from there.

Personally, I have always had admiration for the Czech Republic, because this remarkable man came from that particular country.