Cercamon Boards Alexandra Makarova’s ‘Perla,’ About a Mother Who Dares to Put Herself First: ‘When It Comes to Motherhood, Feminism Stops’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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The Dubai-based sales agent, Cercamon, has pre-screened “Perla” before its debut at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, where it will be competing in the Tiger Competition.

Under the direction of Alexandra Makarová, this story revolves around a painter who, having escaped Communist Czechoslovakia, now resides in 1980s Vienna with her new companion Josef and adolescent daughter Julia. However, when Julia’s father reaches out, Perla contemplates returning to the other side of the border – a decision that could jeopardize all she has worked hard to achieve.

Makarova shared with EbMaster that she hails from a family of refugees who escaped Russia following the October Revolution. Our tale is one tinged with sadness. Discussions about internment camps, famine, and absent male figures have been prevalent throughout our lives.

I’m influenced greatly by the strong, creative women in my family, particularly my mom who is also an artist. They often juggled child-rearing responsibilities with pursuing their own aspirations.”

Or simply:

“My mother and other female relatives inspired me, as they balanced raising children with chasing their dreams.

In her movie, Makarová portrayed a character named Perla who defies traditional societal norms. Actress Rebeka Poláková, along with Simon Schwarz, Carmen Diego, Noël Czuczor, and Hilde Dalik, brought this multidimensional figure to life. While Perla is a resilient survivor, there’s also an element of whimsy in her portrayal.

She expressed, “Everyone prefers a relatable hero, particularly when it’s a female character. Initially, I was treading along that path too, primarily due to fear. Thoughts like, ‘Oh dear, what if the audience doesn’t take to her?’ would cross my mind. However, it was crucial to remain authentic to her true self.

I preferred Rebeka to have a touch of childlike innocence. At times, we found ourselves questioning, ‘What on earth is she up to? Why does she behave that way?’ Once filming concluded, we genuinely missed her antics. I’m not a fan of the term ‘strong female character.’ It feels like marketing hype. If you’re Wonder Woman, then by all means, be strong. However, Perla isn’t typically depicted as ‘strong.’ Instead, she demonstrates resilience, but it’s something she struggles with.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but be captivated by the unique narrative of “Perla.” Unlike many stories that focus on individuals fleeing their homeland for a brighter future, this film isn’t about escaping. Instead, it delves into the compelling journey of a character returning to confront her long-hidden past and an old love.

Funnily enough, you’ve echoed Rebeka’s sentiments – the reason she was drawn to this movie. There aren’t too many tales about returning, but plenty about fleeing. It’s an odd choice, yet she’s always been reluctant to glance back. It brought my mother to mind for me as well,” I confessed.

Though there were some good aspects [in Czechoslovakia], for an artistic soul like mine who yearns for freedom, particularly a painter such as Perla, it was utterly disheartening. Yet, the land of my childhood remains etched in my heart, and an unseen force draws me back. This longing for catharsis resonates within me too, as I was born in 1985 and lived there with my grandparents until the Iron Curtain’s fall. The desire to return and truly immerse myself in that experience is profound.

Soon, Perla’s torn – also between two men.

As a follower, I yearn to explore the world just as Josef does. Opening the door to the West is like striking gold for me, given my ardor for life. However, when we find ourselves in Czechoslovakia, I wish to linger longer. It’s then that you understand his influence over me – he isn’t merely a companion, but a force that binds me. Makarová pointed out that despite this longing for freedom, I am not truly free at all.

Initially, I didn’t intend for this movie to be politically charged or feature a powerful female lead, but upon reflection, it indeed carries political undertones. This becomes particularly evident when you observe the way these men are handling her, constantly tugging at her in different directions and dictating her actions.

To ensure a resolution with Andrej, Perla must prioritize her own needs above all, including those of her daughter. As Makarova pointed out, such a decision might still cause surprise or raised eyebrows in today’s society.

Regarding her perspective, she mentioned that she identifies as both a mother and someone who is often reminded of the Virgin Mary in discussions about mothership. In her view, the conversation around feminism seems to halt when it concerns motherhood.

As a mother myself, I’ve noticed that many women of our generation seem to center their lives around their children. However, neglecting my own needs wouldn’t be beneficial for my child. My mom dated and went out when I was young, and those activities were completely normal. There would often be children sleeping on the couch during parties. Nowadays, people say they need to go home because they don’t want their kids to see them smoking or drinking. Perla is making time for herself, and in the long run, this will benefit her daughter.

The film titled ‘Perla’ was created by the team consisting of Arash T. Riahi, Sabine Gruber, and Tomáš Krupa. The production companies responsible are Golden Girls Filmproduktion, based in Slovakia, and Hailstone, as well as Ruth Beckermann Filmproduktion from Austria.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “I found ‘Perla’ to be an intricately woven narrative that delves deep into the themes of exile, identity, and artistic expression. The movie is a visual and emotional masterpiece, with stunning cinematography and powerhouse performances, especially from Rebeka Poláková. It’s a story that resonates universally, promising to captivate both festival crowds and art house cinema goers alike.

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2025-01-20 15:16