Sydney Czech and Slovak Film Festival
Image: WE HAVE NEVER BEEN MODERN film still
The 11th Czech and Slovak Film Festival arrives in Sydney with a wonderful program of 10 of the finest feature films produced in these countries.
Festival Director Ika de Detrich explained that the film industry fares well in both countries but after the split of Czechoslovakia both countries had to find a new way of establishing themselves.
“In the last 10-15 years, the cooperation between the two countries in filmmaking has been so intertwined that sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish if the film is Slovak or Czech. You could almost say that it’s a Czecho-Slovak production. While both countries are small compared to their European neighbours and their film industry is not as big as Italy’s, France’s, or Spain’s, it is still well known among film buffs.”
When asked how the locally produced movies from these countries fare with competition from Hollywood’s cinematic offerings Detrich was quick to respond.
“After the fall of communism (1989) and split of Czechoslovakia (1993) both countries were literally flooded by Hollywood blockbusters and cheap storyline movies that local productions could not compete with. However, over time the situation has changed and in the last several years local productions have in many cases won over even the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.”
If moviegoers decide to attend this film festival Detrich said that the one movie which they should not miss, is She Came At Night.
“This is a very dark comedy bordering on horror when an overbearing mother moves in with a young couple. Simona Peková, who plays the lead Valerie, delivers a remarkable performance that captures the essence of a mother-from-hell character.”
The actress won the Czech Academy of Film & Television’s Czech Oscar, the Czech Lion recently and both directors of the film also won the Czech lion.
When asked to choose three other must see movies Detrich said that it was a truly difficult decision as all of them are excellent. But she highly recommends the following:
WE HAVE NEVER BEEN MODERN – a superbly shot period film set in pre-war Czechoslovakia in 1937. The gripping drama is revolving around a discovery of the dead body of a newborn intersex baby. Opening night movie and all attendees receive a cocktail upon entry.
REVEILLON – This Slovak Canadian co-production, is a nuanced family drama based on true story. The Varchals try to celebrate the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, but their father suffers a heart-attack after damming evidence is revealed that he betrayed both country and family working for the reviled secret police.
RESTORE POINT – The sci-fi crime thriller is a story of a dystopian future where technological advancements have enabled the resurrection of victims of violent crimes through a revolutionary procedure that backs up their brain. With a retro-futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics, the film has drawn comparisons to the genre classic ‘Blade Runner’, captivating both mainstream and arthouse audiences.
All movies have subtitles and Detrich is adamant that there’s a movie in this film festival for everybody.
“We don’t have to convince Aussies to come to watch Czech & Slovak films. Almost half of our audience are local Aussies. Once they discover our festival and films they just keep coming back.”
March 20 – 24
Dendy Cinema, 261 -263 King St, Newtown
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