30/04/2024 - The film employs a single-shot technique to immerse audiences in the devastating emotional landscape of a father's tragic lapse of judgement, challenging conventional perceptions of guilt and empathy

Slovak filmmaker Tereza Nvotová, who won the Golden Leopard in Locarno’s Cineasti del Presente competition for Nightsiren [+see also:
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interview: Tereza Nvotová
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Nvotová noted that Father is set to challenge the audience's perceptions of guilt, tragedy and empathy through its unique narrative approach. The film will primarily be shot in a single, continuous take, a method that promises to offer a raw and immersive experience, allowing viewers to live through the events alongside the protagonist, portrayed by Milan Ondrík (Let There Be Light [+see also:
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Q&A: László Nemes
interview: László Rajk
film profile], where long takes pull the audience deeper into the protagonist’s emotional state.

Nvotová discussed her approach, emphasising her desire to shift away from traditional storytelling in order to create a more impactful viewer experience. “When I first heard about these cases, it was hard to imagine them as filmable. But the more I thought about it, the more it haunted me,” the director said. “I decided to tell this story in a way that wasn’t typical for films. Instead of cutting, we will enter the mind of the father and experience it with him, in continuous shots. This could be a way to bring the audience out of their comfort zone and perhaps open their hearts.”

The feature faces significant technical challenges owing to its ambitious shooting style. Polish cinematographer Adam Suzin, who previously worked on the single-shot film Hot and Cold and had his previous short film, the neo-giallo Crocodile (directed by Dawid Bodzak), premiere in the Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival, has been brought on board to tackle these challenges. Producer Veronika Paštéková describes the project as a "true challenge", citing the need for precise technical preparation and practice for each long take so as to ensure the authenticity and fluidity of the narrative.

The story not only delves into the immediate horror of the tragic event, but also explores the aftermath and societal reaction. The real-life inspiration for the protagonist experienced severe social and legal repercussions, receiving a conditional sentence for the manslaughter of his daughter but facing harsh public ostracism. The script, significantly revised by Nvotová and Dušan Budzak to focus on emotionally charged personal moments, rather than courtroom procedural details, aims to highlight the intense personal and societal conflicts arising from such tragedies. Father seeks to spark a broader discussion about compassion and understanding in the face of unimaginable loss. By focusing on the human elements of the story and employing a distinctive cinematographic technique, Nvotová hopes to foster a deeper connection between the audience and the protagonist, encouraging a more empathetic response to such tragic events.

Filming is scheduled in two seasonal phases: the winter part has already been completed, and the summer segment is set to be shot in June. The project participated in When East Meets West, Baltic Event and Sofia Meetings, and will be showcased at the Marché du Film on 18 May as a part of the Black Nights Goes to Cannes initiative.

Father is being produced by DANAE Production (Slovakia), and co-produced by moloko film (Czech Republic), Lava Films (Poland), TV Joj and Czech Television. The Slovak Audiovisual Fund, Czech Film Fund and Polish Film Institute supported the film. The producers are looking for a sales agent, and the premiere is scheduled for 2025. CinemArt will handle the theatrical release in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, while New Horizons will distribute the movie in Poland.