Vojtěch Strakatý’s feature debut “After Party” has released its international trailer (below) ahead of its world premiere in the Horizons Extra section of the Venice Film Festival. Film Republic handles world sales.
The Czech film follows carefree 23-year-old Jindřiška, who discovers that her father owes a lot of money when debt collectors arrive to seize their house. In one day, Jindřiška’s world falls apart, forcing her to choose between helping her father or saving herself before it’s too late.
Paolo Bertolin of the Venice selection committee said: “I thought I would grow up in one day [drama] had a very precise and convincing narrative structure, with a beautiful crescendo served by a discreet but eloquent mise-en-scene and an excellent leading role. The end result is both fresh and thought-provoking.”
The film, which premieres on September 3, stars Eliška Bašusová, Anna Tomanová and Jan Zadražil. It is produced by Marek Novák of Xova Film. The co-producers are Helena Uldrichová from Česká Televize, Jordi Niubó from i/o Post and Lukáš Moudrý from Studio Beep. The Czech distributor is Aerofilms, which will release the film in theaters in the fall.
In a statement, Strakatý said: “The story is inspired by events I experienced a few years ago: debts caused by my father, loss of property, moving, the collapse of family and relationships, and the total loss of all security.
“The family saga is condensed into 24 hours and covers real-life events that take place over a much larger time frame. As the film unfolds seemingly in real time, Jindřiška looks both forward to what is to come and back to what her life has been so far.
“Jindřiška’s own hangover odyssey is complicated not only by the sudden loss of her secure future, but also by physical exhaustion as she begins the hellish day after a night out.
“There are evil forces present in the form of her father and the loan sharks, but the film is generally not intended to give a frightening impression. The lightness of the story and the presence of hope are crucial to me, especially embodied by the character of Karolína and the energy and unconditional friendship she brings.
“In this way, an existential drama is contrasted with the apparently relaxed atmosphere of a summer day and the coming-of-age genre, mixing and balancing the dark and the positive.
“The title ‘After Party’ goes hand in hand with this approach, as the film is framed by two parties that are typically associated with more joyful experiences. The events that follow each of them are crucial for Jindřiška’s future life.”
