Visions du Réel - National Competition
international premiere
CPH:DOX - CPH:SCIENCE
Czech Republic, Switzerland, Jordan 2020 / 77 min
Directed by: Pavel Borecký
Produced by: Pavel Borecký / Anthropictures (CZ)
Co-produced by: Pandistan (CZ), University of Switzerland (CH), University of Jordan (JO)
The vibration of machines echoes across the desert. Ever since Jordanian nomads settled in the spectacular landscape of Wadi Rum, they grew dependent on complex water infrastructure. The source is right below their feet, yet they struggle to meet basic needs. In the meantime, deep water extraction feeds private large-scale farms, animates visionary development, and secures growing urban population. Bedouins, farmers and city dwellers: they all expect to have a fair share, but digging for “blue gold” unleashes environmental timebomb. Living Water tells the story of power, exploitation and changing ecological circumstances in one of the most water-poor countries in the world.
Visions du Réel - Grand Angle
CPH:DOX - Highlights
Latvia, Czech Republic 2020 / 100 min
Directed by: Vitaly Mansky
Produced by: Natalia Manskaya / Vertov (LV)
Co-produced by: Hypermarket Film (CZ), ARTE (DE, FR), Czech Television (CZ), Current Time TV (US)
The 90-year old Gorbachev currently lives in a modest house outside Moscow, awaiting the moment when he will be called to join the list of the 20th century’s most consequential figures. History will judge Gorbachev, but Gorbachev presents his own, final testimony.
TRAILER
REVIEW IN VARIETY
A MARRIAGE
The Changing Face of Europe (in co-operation with the EFP)
world premiere
Czech Republic, USA 2021 / 74 min
Directed by: Kateřina Hager & Asad Faruqi
Produced by: Kateřina Hager & Asad Faruqi / Bohemian Productions (CZ)
Co-produced by: Circus Lion Pictures (US), Czech Television (CZ)
Several years after their official marriage, wheelchair bound Zdenka from the Czech Republic and her Pakistani husband Tabish, still communicate only over the Internet and Skype. Czech authorities repeatedly deny Tabish a visa to enter the country, convinced they are protecting Zdenka and the Czech state from an economic migrant seeking entry into Europe. After years trying to prove their “real love” to the authorities and a relationship eked out online, a breakthrough in their case gives Tabish and Zdenka new hope that their dream of living together in the small Czech town may become reality. Fascinating story of a relationship facing many obstacles and prejudices, while the unique main characters enrich the dramatic account with spontaneity and even some laugh-out-loud moments.
Supported by the Czech Film Fund: EUR 77 000
BLIX
Hot Docs Forum
Czech Republic, Sweden 2022 / 80 min
Directed by: Gretta Stocklassa
Produced by: Radovan Síbrt & Alžběta Karásková / PINK Productions (CZ)
Co-produced by: Sisyfos Film Production AB (SE)
At first glance, Hans Blix seems to be a common Swedish pensioner spending days in his dark Stockholm apartment and taking long afternoon walks along the beach with his wife. He tends the garden at his summer house, plays with his grandkids, and recently, he quietly celebrated his 92nd birthday with the family. Nearing the end of his life, he decided to write a book of memoirs. But his memoirs might not be pleasing for everyone. For some, they could even be a nightmare.
Supported by the Czech Film Fund: EUR 96 000
Czech Film Center operates as a division of the Czech Film Fund.
