A deeply unsettling feature film has been made about one of the gravest issues in 1980s Czechoslovakia: the practice of the forced sterilisation of Romany women. Only Beautiful Things to Look At was written and directed by Ivan Ostrochovský, who achieved major international success with his earlier films Velvet Terrorists, Koza, Servants and 107 Mothers.
A compelling drama starring Anna Geislerová in the leading role opens an unresolved chapter of Czechoslovak history, when the state decided who could and could not have children. In a remote district hospital, the elegant doctor Ingrid unexpectedly befriends a young orderly. Will this new bond disrupt the certainties of her stagnant life?
Only Beautiful Things to Look At stars celebrated Czech actress Anna Geislerová, whose international breakthrough came with the Oscar-nominated film Želary. She has since appeared in more than 100 films and television productions.
Péter Bárnai and Franciska Farkas also appear in the co-production, which was shot partly in Hungary. The production designer is Csaba Lódi, who has previously worked on such international successes as The Brutalist and the Dune films. The dramaturg of Only Beautiful Things to Look At is Éva Zabezsinszkij, the make-up artist is Balázs Novák, and the production manager is Péter Krékits.
The co-production, made with the support of the National Film Institute, was produced by Punckhart Films, Negativ and Proton Cinema. The Hungarian co-producer is Juli Berkes and the executive producer is Viktória Petrányi.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running film festivals: founded in 1946, it has become one of Central Europe’s most important cultural events. The main prize of its prestigious competition programme is the Crystal Globe.
Last year, the festival screened 175 films and attracted around 130,000 viewers and 10,000 registered participants.
The 60th edition will be held from July 3 to 11 in the Czech spa town.
https://www.kviff.com/en/programme/film/84/49760-only-beautiful-things-to-look-at
