07/04/2023 - A handful of exciting upcoming projects that are nearing completion were presented during the leading documentary event

During the Czech Docs: Coming Soon industry event, held as part of East Doc Platform, five upcoming feature-length Czech documentaries nearing completion were presented by their respective producer-director teams. The event, organised in collaboration with the Czech Audiovisual Producers’ Association, was tailored for film-festival representatives, sales agents and distributors. Ivana Formanová, manager of KineDok, moderated the pitching session. In this report, we examine these projects in greater detail.

1+1+1 – Ondřej Vavrečka (Czech Republic/Slovakia)
This creative documentary-musical shot on the classic 16 mm medium explores the idea of progress. Directed by Ondřej Vavrečka and produced by Vít Janeček, of D1film, it combines documentary speeches and footage of people in their natural environment with scenes featuring three actors. The aim is to take viewers on an intellectual journey and explore what the concept of progress means to us. The film is currently at the editing stage, and the team is looking for festivals and sales, as well as professionals to help with colour grading and sound production. The premiere is expected to take place in the autumn, and there is already interest from various forums.

Amoosed! - Hana Nováková (Czech Republic/Slovakia)
This is a documentary “moose odyssey” about our changing perception of nature today. Directed by Hana Nováková and produced by Kateřina Traburová (of LaDamplinque sro), it follows six incredible encounters between moose and men. The film uses a humorous and fairy tale-like approach to address a serious topic, exploring the relationship between humans and nature through the eyes of different characters from around the world who have encountered moose. The project is currently in post-production after seven years of filming, delayed by the pandemic. The team is seeking TV pre-sales, production funding and festivals. Their target audience includes those who have not really been concerned about nature or animals before, in the hope of encouraging them to start caring. Broadcasters and VoD platforms are crucial for reaching this audience, and the team is open to creating a television version of the film.

Atirkül in the Land of Real Men – Janyl Jusupjan (Kyrgyzstan/France/Czech Republic)
This character-driven documentary film features a strong Muslim woman who is passionate about horses and decides to enter the world of buzkashi, a horse game played by tough men. Directed by Kyrgyz filmmaker Janyl Jusupjan, the film follows Atirkül in her everyday life, highlighting her resilience and determination in a patriarchal society. Jusupjan's artistic style is minimalistic, staying close to the main character with a small team consisting of herself, a sound operator and a camera. The film's strong female character challenges societal norms in a patriarchal society and embodies the spirit of the Amazonian warrior women. On the Czech side, the doc is being produced by Alice Tabery for Cinepoint, along with Christian Lelong for French outfit Cinédoc Films. The target audience includes those who appreciate human rights issues, and elements such as mountains, horses and strong female characters. The project is looking for festival premieres and sales agents, with plans being afoot to release it at upcoming festivals, either this or next year.

Police Symphony Orchestra – Dominik Kalivoda (Czech Republic)
This is a music documentary project directed by Dominik Kalivoda and produced by Michal Kráčmer, of Analog Vision. It tells the story of a group of young, amateur musicians who come together to form an orchestra that plays charity concerts for free. The main storyline centres on Petra, the founder of the orchestra, as she navigates her personal and professional life, trying to balance her passion for music with her career aspirations. The documentary showcases the enthusiasm and dedication of young people who strive to make a positive impact on the world around them. The producers aim to target music lovers, young people, parents and families with the film. The project has completed filming and is currently at the editing stage. The team is looking for potential corporate partners, television broadcasters, and festival organisers to support the project and bring it to a wider audience. The documentary is expected to be ready for release by the end of the year, and will feature a concert tour and screenings in the Czech Republic, with plans for distribution in neighbouring countries.

The World According to Jiri – Marta Kovářová (Czech Republic/Slovakia)
In her documentary debut, musician-turned-director Marta Kovářová accompanies her scientist father, Jiri, on his mission to save the planet. Kovářová's artistic vision is to deliver a refreshing and inspiring message of hope by blending domestic and global scientific and artistic elements. Jiri is the main character, developing a metal alloy capable of surviving extreme temperatures and publishing an idea to save the world, which nobody knows yet. The film follows Kovářová's journey to spread her father's idea far and wide, and discover if the world can work according to Jiri. Produced by Jan Bodnár for GNOMON and Jan Hubáček, and co-produced by Silvia Panáková (Arina Ltd), the film is in the final stages of post-production and is seeking premieres at A-list and environmental festivals, as well as international distribution and sales. The team plan to secure official distribution in their home country next year and are open to a television version of the film.