Abstract
The study focuses on the institutional structure of the central executive / supervisory body of the Protectorate film industry - the Bohemian-Moravian Film Union (Bömisch-Mährische Filmzentrale). Its establishment had been preceded by many years of efforts of the Czech film industry for functioning institutional autonomy, with a single umbrella institution at its head.
Reorganization plans were progressing in direct proportion to the increasing threat of Nazi control over Czech culture after the German occupation. The organization paradoxically emerged as a result of intervention of the occupation power.
Though becoming a pillar of the occupiers'' film policy, it retained the means to support cultural autonomy of Bohemia and Moravia. It managed to maintain and develop activities which helped the Czech film.
Its leadership included a number of noteworthy people, such as Emil Sirotek, who was active in the anti-Nazi resistence, Jaroslav Leiser, Wilhelm Ernst and Wilhelm Söhnel.