Film Lens
Batalives focuses on the entrepreneurial efforts of Tomas Baťa and Jan Antonín Baťa in the 1920s as they set out to create new cities around the world from their base in Zlin, Czechoslovakia. The film details how they established approximately fifty towns, each embodying their distinct social and architectural vision. It examines the legacy of these 'Bata cities' and the few that remain today, including Zlín in the Czech Republic and Batadorp in the Netherlands.
Through the stories of characters like Matea, Shona, Bé, Henrik, and Věra, the film illustrates the lasting influence of the Bata legacy on their lives. It questions how the original vision of Tomas Baťa has evolved over nearly a century, providing insight into the impact of his entrepreneurial spirit on the communities that were built around his business model.
Why Watch
- •Meet the Baťa brothers and their global impact.
- •Find out about the unique architecture of Bata cities.
- •See how Bata's vision transformed over nearly a century.
Did You Know
•Tomas and Jan Antonín Baťa created around fifty towns worldwide.
•Only a few 'Bata cities' remain today, including Zlín and Batadorp.
•The film features characters from diverse backgrounds connected to the Bata legacy.
Perfect For
Urban development enthusiastsCzech history buffsArchitecture fans