“After Party”: Czech coming-of-age drama premieres at the Venice International Film Festival

After the partydirected by Vojtěch Strakatý, will have its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 3 and has released an international trailer ahead of its debut. The Czech drama, which marks Strakatý's feature film debut as a director, will be screened in the festival's Horizons Extra section, which presents unusual international feature films voted on by the festival audience.

After the party tells the story of 23-year-old Jindřiška, whose life changes dramatically when debt collectors come and seize her family home. Over the course of a single day, Jindřiška must deal with her family's financial problems and decide whether to help her father or focus on her own future.

“I thought this growing up would happen in one day [drama] had a very precise and convincing narrative structure with a beautiful crescendo, enriched by a discreet but eloquent direction and an excellent performance by the leading actors,” says Paolo Bertolin from the selection committee of the Venice International Film Festival diversity“The end result is both fresh and thought-provoking.”

In a press statement, director Vojtěch Strakatý revealed that the film was inspired by his own personal experiences, including dealing with family debt and the loss of property. He explained that the film's events, which span 24 hours, are a condensed representation of a longer, more complex period of life challenges.

“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,” says the director.

“Evil forces are present in the form of her father and the loan sharks, but overall the film is not intended to leave 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 that she brings.”

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

After the party The film stars Eliška Bašusová, Anna Tomanová, Jan Zadražil and Monika Zoubková. The film is a co-production of Xova Film, Česká Televize, i/o Post and Studio Beep. Aerofilms will distribute the film in Czech cinemas later this year, with the local release currently scheduled for November 14. Film Republic is handling worldwide distribution.

Main photo: Eliška Bašusová in After Party (2024) courtesy of Xova Film