Imagine being a European film student and loving the work of a legendary cinematographer who has won the Oscar – three times! Deciding to write your thesis on this man, Robert Richardson, would you contact the American Society of Cinematographers to ask if it could connect you with him to get a better understanding of him and his work – twice?!
Czech cinematographer Jana Hojdová had the passion and dedication to do so. And in the process, she developed a special bond with Richardson – and became a director. Robert Richardson: The White Devil, her feature documentary dedicated to the life and career of the cinematographer, world premiered in the Special Screenings program at the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) and has drawn much buzz at the fest.
In fact, Hojdová pulled double duty at the festival in the Czech spa town. After all, she also served as the cinematographer on Šimon Holý’s Crystal Globe competition entry Chica Checa.
Richardson, a close collaborator of Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone, also came to town to receive a fest honor.
Hojdová took time to talk to THR about her busy KVIFF 2026, how it capped a long, and often arduous, journey to make the film, her visit to the Oscars with Richardson and what’s next for her.
