By Petr Zavadil

For the Post

One of the great delights of summer in Prague is the entertainment program on Střelecký Ostrov, the island beneath Most Legií (Legionnaire's Bridge), where you can sit at night enjoying the cool breezes off the Vltava with a beer in hand, watching a movie or listening to a band.

"It's a special place," says Petr Pošvic, one of the two main organizers of the summer-long festival on the island. "The whole festival is a sort of peaceful, pleasant and green oasis in the bustling city."

This year's programming is more ambitious than ever, with a full film schedule supplemented by rock, folk, funk and punk groups from all across the Czech musical spectrum scheduled to play. The lineup includes the great Czech folk ensemble Čechomor, legendary punk formation Visací Zámek and the Romany band Gulo Čar. "Gulo Čar are big; they are the new Monkey Business," notes Pošvic.

However, the main focus of the program remains movies, and this year's selection is the most diverse yet. There's a tribute to Bollywood, the Indian equivalent of its more famous U.S. counterpart. The silent classic Metropolis will be screened with live musical accompaniment. And audiences will have a chance to see potential motion picture stars of tomorrow. "Before the start of every movie, there will be a short student pre-film, a support for the upcoming talent," says Pošvic.

Another feast to look out for is Projekt 100, a continuing series of some of the best films ever made. A total of 10 will be shown on Monday nights this summer, including the 1925 Russian masterpiece Battleship Potemkin, and the Czech 1960s classic Cassandra Cat.

There will be plenty of recent first films as well, including V for Vendetta, Brokeback Mountain and the new musical version of Reefer Madness.

This year is the 10th for the festival, which is also serving as a tribute to the work of the Cadík brothers, who for the past 15 years have been traveling around Europe to promote Czech cinema. "They were in Belarus, Ukraine and France last year with their caravans and showed Czech movies under the open sky," says Pošvic. "They do it for free, and any money earned goes to charity."

The Střelecký organizers want to attract a crowd as diverse as their programming — young and old, locals and English-speaking expats and visitors. So they do everything possible to remove language barriers. "All the movies are in the original language with English or Czech subtitles," says Pošvic.

The films are shown at 9:30 p.m., and just once — so watch the schedule, you won't get a chance for a repeat visit if you miss a favorite. On the plus side, the weather is not likely to be a factor. The organizers are confident they can conquer even rain this year, with a huge beer tent that can accommodate up to 100 people, who will be able to continue watching the movie even if raindrops start to fall.

"We go on with the program whatever the weather conditions," Pošvic says proudly. "Last year we did not cancel a single show."

Admission is 100 Kč ($4.50), a very reasonable price for watching quality films on a lush, green island in the middle of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Concert prices vary, depending on the band.

So when the summer nights heat up, head for the island and an interesting movie or good-time band, with liquid refreshment close by at the new summer bar that will be open all day. It's the greatest escape in town.