Director Vojtech Strakati’s feature debut After Party has its world premiere (below) ahead of its world premiere in the Horizons Extra section of the Venice Film Festival. Film Republic handles its worldwide sales.
The film follows 23-year-old Czech girl Jindriska, who discovers that her father owes her a large sum of money when debt collectors arrive to seize their home. In one day, Jindriska's world falls apart, forcing her to choose between helping her father or saving herself before it's too late.
“I thought this was reaching maturity in one day,” said Paolo Bertolin of the Venice Selection Committee. [drama] “The play had a very precise and compelling narrative structure, with a beautiful climax served by tight but eloquent mise-en-scène and an excellent lead performance. The end result is fresh and thought-provoking.”
The film, which premieres on September 3, stars Eliška Basusová, Anna Tomanová and Jan Zadrazil. It is produced by Marek Novák of Xova Film. Co-producers are Helena Oldrešová of Česká Televize, Jordi Neubo of i/o Post and Lukáš Mudry of Studio Beep. The Czech distributor is Aerofilms, which will give the film a theatrical release in the fall.
In a statement, Stracatti said: “The story is inspired by events I went through a few years ago: debts caused by my father, loss of property, moving to other places, the breakdown of family and relationships, and the complete loss of all security.
“The family’s story is told in 24 hours, and it summarises events that take place over a much larger time frame in real life. As the film unfolds in real time, Jendriska looks forward to what’s to come and backward to what her life has been like up until that point.
Jindriska's journey through the shadow of a hangover is complicated not only by the sudden loss of her secure future but also by the physical exhaustion as she begins a hellish day after a night out.
“There are evil forces present in the form of her father and the moneylenders, but the film as a whole does not aim to give a scary impression. The lightness of the narrative and the presence of hope are crucial for me, and they are embodied in particular through the character of Carolina and the energy and unconditional friendship she brings.
“Thus, existential drama contrasts with the laid-back atmosphere of a summer's day and the genre of coming-of-age literature, mixing and balancing darkness and positivity.
The title “After Party” fits this approach, as the film revolves around two parties that are usually associated with more joyful experiences. The events that follow each form the focus of Jendriska’s future life.
