The Czechoslovak New Wave was a film movement that emerged in the 1960s in Czechoslovakia. It was characterized by innovative storytelling, a focus on personal and social themes, and a blend of realism and surrealism. Filmmakers sought to challenge the conventions of traditional cinema and often used humor and irony to critique society and politics. Key figures of this movement included directors like Miloš Forman, Věra Chytilová, and Jiří Menzel. Their films, such as The Firemen's Ball and Daisies, gained international acclaim for their artistic merit and bold narratives. The movement was curtailed by the 1968 Soviet invasion, which led to increased censorship and restrictions on creative expression.