The 28th Made in Prague Festival presents the UK premiere of Adam Martinec’s ‘A Rowdily Tragicomic Ode to Family Feuds and Disappearing Traditions‘ , inspired by Miloš Forman’s films and Bohumil Hrabal’s poetics. The film received the Jury’s Special Mention at the 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
The women cry over onions in the kitchen, united in exasperation with their men, the men, led by recent widower Karel, drink plum brandy outside getting ready for a pig killing. This is an annual gathering when family comes together to reconnect and enjoy great food. But this year family tensions are high and things do not go according to plan. Karel’s daughter Romana misses her mother, her sister’s marriage is on the rocks, grandpa doesn’t want to do any more pig killings while the butcher hides the fact that the ammunition is damp and a nosy neighbour plans to report the illegal slaughter. Amidst the chaos, six-year-old Dusik goes missing. Inspired by Milos Forman’s film and Bohumil Hrabal’s poetics, the director unveils the Czech temperament, creating a poignant comedy full of slapstic moments, searing humour and great empathy amidst gender and generational divides. With strong visuals, an atmospheric soundtrack, and a fantastic array of non-actors, this remarkable debut blends the tragic and comic undertones.
'A Rowdily Tragicomic Ode to Family Feuds and Disappearing Traditions' -Variety
'Debuting filmmaker Adam Martinec delivers a probe into Czech identity and generational conflict set against the fading tradition of domestic pig slaughter''- Cineuropa
