Jiří Štěpnička, a multifaceted individual, was brought into this world on April 16, 1947, in the esteemed city of London. His arrival was met with great joy by his parents, Jiřina Štěpničková, a renowned Czech actress, and Jan Samka, a distinguished drawing professor.
Jiří's baptismal ceremony was a significant milestone in his life, marked by the bestowal of five names upon him by his godparents - Jiří Jan Jaroslav Martin Otto. This elaborate naming tradition reflected the cultural and religious values of his family and community.
As a child, Jiří was born with the privilege of holding dual citizenship, with both Czechoslovakian and English passports bearing his name. However, this unique aspect of his identity was short-lived, as his family made the decision to return to their ancestral homeland, Czechoslovakia.
The circumstances surrounding Jiřina's departure from England were marked by tragedy and hardship. As a young mother, she found herself cast out and forced to attempt to emigrate to the Šumava region, a vast and unforgiving landscape. The daunting task of traversing this rugged terrain was made even more challenging by the presence of her three-year-old son, who was still young and vulnerable.
Despite the obstacles that lay before her, Jiřina persevered, driven by her determination to provide a better life for her child. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but she remained resolute in her pursuit of a brighter future, one that would ultimately shape the course of Jiří's life and identity.
Jiřina's life took a devastating turn when she was unjustly detained and subsequently sentenced to a lengthy 15-year prison term by General Hruška, a State Security confederate who wielded significant influence. The harsh reality of her situation was that she was forced to spend the next decade behind bars, a period marked by isolation and hardship.
Jiří's educational journey began in a rural setting, where he spent his formative years attending primary school. At the tender age of 13, his life took a significant turn when his mother was released from prison and rejoined him, bringing with her a newfound sense of hope and determination.
The family's circumstances underwent a remarkable transformation, courtesy of the kindness and generosity of director Martin Fricov, who played a pivotal role in their lives. It was his efforts that ultimately led to the family's relocation to the vibrant city of Prague, specifically the charming neighborhood of Prague 4 - Hodkovičky.
