FINÁLE PLZEŇ 2023 Czech Film Springboard
REPORT: Czech Film Springboard @ Finále Plzeň 2023
- The annual industry initiative presenting Czech projects in early development has showcased works from the youngest generation addressing the issue of patriarchy and various other topics
This year’s line-up of projects in early development curated by the Czech Film Springboard domestic industry platform at Finále Plzeň served to spotlight emerging filmmakers from the youngest generation. Dominated by narratives that dissect female experiences within patriarchal frameworks, the selection married a range of genres with a variety of styles. Below we dive into four particularly intriguing titles that were pitched at the event, which unspooled from 22-24 September.
Dangerous Weekend - Tomasz Wiński
Polish-born, Prague-based director Tomasz Wiński, known for his feature debut, Borders of Love [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Tomasz Wiński
film profile], is working on his second feature, Dangerous Weekend. The story delves into sexual assault, power dynamics and the consequences they create in the film world. It tracks a famous soap actress, confronting her past trauma and her abuser as she prepares for a new role. Czech actress Hana Vagnerová is co-writing and stars in the film, drawing inspiration from real-life instances of abuse of power. With a documentary-style approach, the story aligns with the “New Czech Intimacy” manifesto, co-penned by Wiński. Co-produced by Tereza Nejedlá, of One Way Ticket Films, the production is gearing up for a late-2024 start, potentially partnering with Poland or Slovakia. The team is actively seeking co-production partners, sales agents and distributors, while Wiński intends to reunite with his original crew from Borders of Love.
In Good Faith - Anna Wowra
Polish-born director Anna Wowra, recognised as a 2023 Future Frames talent (see the interview) and now based in Prague, is debuting with her feature-length drama, In Good Faith. Set in Poland, the film follows two teenage sisters grappling with an unwanted pregnancy amidst stringent abortion laws. It examines the themes of sisterhood, first love and freedom. Wowra's narrative is influenced by the Romanian New Wave and current Icelandic cinema trends, with a stylistic nod to her prior short, Stuck Together, and Deniz Gamze Ergüven's Mustang [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Deniz Gamze Ergüven
film profile]. The film is being staged by Tomáš Pertold, of Perfilm, a Prague-based indie production company, and co-production discussions involve the Czech Republic, Poland and potential Slovakian partners. Production is scheduled to take place around summer 2025 or in early 2026 in the Czech Republic, featuring a Polish cast. Completion is being eyed for 2027. Pertold is negotiating finance sources and partnerships, and welcomes any post-production collaborations.
Like Air - Elvira Dulskaia
Elvira Dulskaia, known for her insights into women's narratives, is embarking on her feature-length debut, Like Air. This mystery-drama set in a rural village examines trauma, memory and supernatural abilities through the lives of Míša and Juraj, Gen Z protagonists bound by a tragic childhood explosion. As Míša rediscovers her past and unearthly powers, the pair undergo a ritual, revisiting the devastating event. Dulskaia, an alumna of FAMU, has a repertoire including the celebrated shorts Me, Flamingo and Ice Break, both hinting at Like Air's fusion of drama, magical realism and horror. 8Heads Productions, established by Czech producer Julietta Sichel, is backing the film. Intended as an audience-centric venture, it may entail collaborations with Poland, Germany or France. Development is slated to continue until 2025, with shooting taking place by March 2026 and a festival debut lined up for 2027. Like Air will feature in international pitching forums and script labs, and will address the theme of reconciling with trauma — a sentiment echoing with a generation weathering global upheavals like the pandemic and various European conflicts.
Europa - Jan Gebert
Czech documentarian Jan Gebert is venturing into fiction with the psychological drama Europa. The story delves into the depths of the human psyche via Tomáš, a youth escaping his troubled past. His life is altered upon joining the clandestine university group Europa, led by the enigmatic psychology professor Tim Jurkovič. The film, infused with Gebert's historical and journalistic expertise, scrutinises power dynamics and the emergence of a totalitarian microcosm. It is being produced by indie production firm PINK, helmed by Radovan Síbrt, which was behind Gebert’s award-winning documentary When the War Comes [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], and the company's ethos aligns with the movie's candid depiction of dark societal impulses. Síbrt is scouting for a Slovakian co-producer, considering collaborations with Germany or France, and planning to network at Cottbus, Thessaloniki and the Berlinale pitching forum.
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