Czech Director’s Bold Confession Shocks Cannes!

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Czech filmmaker, Zuzana Kirchnerová, could be bound for Cannes with “Caravan,” yet she’s currently filming a mini-series that addresses domestic violence, boasting a powerful female protagonist. Meanwhile, she’s also working on a new project under the tentative title, “Bodies.

“I want it to be a very sensorial project, exploring the subject of aging,” she told EbMaster.

I enjoy movies that feel tangible to me. Whenever I create one, I strive for a deep emotional bond with the storyline, making it a constant thought in my mind.”

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“I prefer films that resonate with me personally. When I’m working on one, I aim to develop a strong connection to its theme, ensuring it stays top-of-mind throughout my daily life.

In her initial film “Caravan,” chosen for Un Certain Regard – signifying the first re-entry into the main selection of a predominantly Czech production in more than three decades – she opted to draw upon her personal experiences as a mom of a special needs child, as her source of inspiration.

She expressed that while she is incredibly joyful about being a mother and wouldn’t change it, there are moments when she yearns for her past life’s freedom. She found it challenging to admit this to even her closest friends or family, but she recognizes the importance of expressing such feelings openly.

Although not everyone may openly criticize me for it, there will likely be comments made. This issue is undoubtedly one of our remaining taboos. There’s a widespread belief that once you become a mother, you transform into a saint, especially when it comes to caring for disabled children. However, this wasn’t my experience. I love my child deeply, but I also aspire to be a filmmaker and pursue my career. I want more than just being a mother.

In the film, Ester and her teenage son David head out on a road trip to Italy. 

Initially, as I embarked on writing, I found myself in the role of a single mother caring for a son with disabilities and another son who was still an infant. Sitting in my room in Prague, it struck me: ‘I don’t wish to create a film that is depressing,’ confessed Kirchnerová.

I aimed to create a vibrant, colorful, and uplifting movie that expands one’s perspective and evokes a sense of the extraordinary or spiritual.

Imagining Anna Geislerová in the lead role helped her distance herself from the story.

Through the process, Ester began to take on more of her personality rather than mine, yet every character carries some aspects of me. I found it particularly enjoyable writing Zuza, as she brought back memories of my younger self with friends. Italy serves as a symbol for a cherished summer fantasy. Ester’s openness is partly due to Zuza; she’s the catalyst that brings out this playful side in Ester.”

or simply:

“Ester started resembling her more than me, but each character has some of my traits. I loved writing Zuza because she made me think of my youthful self with friends. Italy represents a dreamy summer. Zuza also influences Ester’s openness, as she brings out the playful side in her.

She spent six months looking for David, played by David Vodstrčil.

It’s quite remarkable that the man I’ve found amusing is actually attending the same school as my child. In hindsight, he was within arm’s reach all along. I encountered numerous families, which in a way worked to my advantage – they provided me with countless stories. Unlike his personality, he demonstrates absolute independence and has no issues expressing himself; he doesn’t require any help, so he skillfully played his part. They had an impressive rapport with Anna, whom he refers to as her fourth child.

Regardless of her playful demeanor, Kirchnerová aimed for truthfulness – even when it came to portraying the sexual orientation of her characters.

She emphasized that it’s important not to overlook the sexual aspects of disabled individuals in conversations about their dignity. Just as all humans have a sexual identity, so do they. It’s easier to accept and love these children when they are young and vulnerable. However, as they grow into teenagers, it can become more challenging. This is an issue we should address openly,” she stated.

As a movie enthusiast, I can relate to the sentiment in the following way: If you’re a mom raising a child with special needs, society might make it seem like you should only know sorrow and exhaustion. But for me, life force – expressed through passion, love, or even intimacy – is a vital source of energy that keeps us feeling alive. When Esther pursues an affair, it seems as if she’s shouting: “I choose to live! I deserve joy too, because I am pouring so much of myself into caring for others.

The path to creating the film was lengthy, but Kirchnerová attributes Torino Film Lab for instilling in her the confidence that it was achievable.

In the Czech Republic, I faced more challenges. This wasn’t due to this specific topic, but because I aspired to create a film in Italy. It seems they may have considered it too personal, despite my not having taken such a journey myself, and didn’t provide funding for many years. Additionally, numerous individuals struggled to relate to the main character. They often commented that she was ‘difficult to like’ or ‘lacked direction.’ Some even suggested the film needed a more conventional plot with a dramatic climax. I would frequently respond: ‘Would you prefer me to head to Hollywood? They appreciate grand endings there.’

In the end, the project was chosen by Cannes’ L’Atelier. Earlier, Kirchnerová had received the Cinéfondation Prize for the best short film for “Baba.” Now, she aims that “Caravan” will encourage others to be less hesitant about depicting disability in their creative endeavors.

Perhaps ‘anxiety’ is more accurate. Disabled individuals are no different from others. Zuza is remarkable because she isn’t biased. She views David as any typical teenager, rather than a medical condition. Her actions towards him would be the same as with anyone else,” she expressed.

To me, it’s about personal liberty. Society often confines you within its preconceived notions of who you should be, particularly for mothers who are expected to meet certain societal standards. Making this film served as a defiant statement: ‘Enough! Now I’m going to live life on my own terms.’ Essentially, it was saying, ‘I’m taking control and doing what makes me happy.’

The film titled “Caravan” was jointly created by Dagmar Sedláčková from MasterFilm, along with partners Nutprodukcia (Slovakia) and Tempesta (Italy). Responsibility for distributing the movie lies with Alpha Violet.

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2025-05-18 06:17