Trailer for “After Party” before premiere in Venice

Vojtěch Strakatý's debut film After Party has premiered its international trailer (below) ahead of its world premiere in the Horizons Extra section of the Venice Film Festival. Film Republic is handling world sales.

The Czech film follows carefree 23-year-old Jindřiška, who discovers that her father owes them a lot of money when debt collectors come to confiscate their house. In a single day, Jindřiška's world falls apart and she must decide whether to help her father or save herself before it's too late.

Paolo Bertolin of the Venice selection committee said: “I thought this coming of age would happen in one day [drama] had a very precise and convincing narrative structure with a beautiful crescendo, enhanced by discreet but eloquent direction and an excellent lead performance. The end result is both fresh and thought-provoking.”

The film, which will premiere on September 3, stars Eliška Bašusová, Anna Tomanová and Jan Zadražil. It is produced by Marek Novák of Xova Film. The co-producers are Helena Uldrichová of Česká Televize, Jordi Niubó of i/o Post and Lukáš Moudrý of Studio Beep. The Czech distributor is Aerofilms, which will release the film in the autumn.

In a statement, Strakatý said: “The story is inspired by events I experienced several years ago: debts caused by my father, loss of property, moving, the breakdown of family and relationships and the complete loss of any security.

“The family saga is compressed into 24 hours, summarizing events that in real life take place over a much longer time frame. While the film seemingly unfolds in real time, Jindřiška looks both forward to what is to come and back on her life so far.

“Jindřiška's own hungover odyssey is complicated not only by the sudden loss of her secure future, but also by the physical exhaustion as she sets off into the hellish day after a night of drinking.

“Evil forces are present in the form of her father and the loan sharks, but overall the film is not meant to give an intimidating impression. The lightness of the narrative and the presence of hope are crucial for me, embodied in particular by the character of Karolína and the energy and unconditional friendship she brings.

“Thus, an existential drama is contrasted with the seemingly relaxed atmosphere of a summer day and the coming-of-age genre, mixing and balancing the dark and the positive.

“The title 'After Party' goes along with this approach, because the film is framed by two parties that are usually associated with more joyful experiences. The events that follow each of them are crucial for Jindřiška's subsequent life.”