Robert Richardson: The White Devila feature-length documentary dedicated to the life and career of the legendary and three-time Oscar-winning cinematographer, is scheduled to have its world premiere at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) next month. The first feature film, which is already generating buzz, comes from an unlikely source: Czech director Jana Hojdova.
Richardson remains a close collaborator with Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Andy Serkis, Antoine Fuqua, Ben Affleck, John Sayles, Barry Levinson, Scott Hicks and others. So, how did a young Czech director end up so immersed in him and his work?
“Several years ago, while living in Prague, I sent an email to Robert Richardson almost without expecting a response at all,” Hojdova explains in a statement. “For me, he was one of the greatest cinematographers of all time, and the creative force behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable images. And when he answered, that single letter unexpectedly became the beginning of a years-long journey that took me from Los Angeles and London to New Zealand and Sofia as I followed Richardson through the making of several major films.”
Now the doctor’s journey has reached another level. Not only is the trailer debuting, which you can watch below, but it was also scored by B-Rated International, which has acquired the global sales and distribution rights to the film.
“Robert Richardson: The White Devil “Explores Richardson’s extraordinary contribution to contemporary cinema, tracing his artistic journey and examining the visual language that has defined some of the most iconic films of recent decades,” the synopsis reads. “Through exclusive interviews, archival material, and insights from collaborators, the documentary presents a portrait of one of the industry’s most influential cinematographers.”
Richardson will be on hand at KVIFF, where he will receive a Crystal Globe Award for his contribution to world cinema at the documentary’s world premiere on July 5.
“What makes this film so special to me is not only the extraordinary access that Robert gave me, but also that he trusted me enough to give me access to hundreds of hours of personal archives, which include some of the most intimate chapters of his life,” Hojdova explains. “For a young director, I can’t imagine a greater privilege. This film is my attempt to capture the passion, curiosity, sacrifice and creative courage that lies behind a life spent at the top of Hollywood filmmaking.”
B-Rated Arnaud Chevalier (Un Concern Regard 2026 at Cannes). Olya) describes the film’s appeal this way: “We feel that this documentary offers a personal and highly compelling perspective from one of the greatest cinematographers of all time. Through Jana’s personal story and her unique relationship with Robert Richardson, the film also highlights an important chapter in the history of American cinema. We believe the documentary will appeal not only to cinephiles and film professionals, but also to broader audiences who want to discover the man behind some of the most iconic images in contemporary filmmaking.”
Some in the Czech film industry have already mentioned the doc as a potential contender for the Academy Award race for Best Documentary Feature.
The film is produced by Matej Chlubaček, Hojdova and Nela Schlachertová, with co-producers Maja Hamblova and Francesca Kolorat.
Hojdova was born in Prague in 1989 and grew up with parents who were cinematographers and directors. She worked on several films as a cinematographer. Recently, I was fired Chica chicaa feature that is part of KVIFF’s official selection. Robert Richardson: The White Devil It is her debut as a feature director.
the White devil The trailer gives viewers their first teaser of the cinematic and human adventures that lie ahead. Family history, workaholism and famous names collide. Can Quentin Tarantino answer who “RR” is? Why does Oliver Stone call him “the odd man out” and Martin Scorsese likens him to a painter? Can the Czech director get inside his head? Well, it looks like she can at least demythologize what life is like for him. But don’t listen to me! Watch the trailer for Robert Richardson: The White Devil here.
