17/10/2024 - The Czech director’s latest film blends social realism with a touch of humour and melancholy, touching upon the themes of identity, ageing, coming out and social norms

Jan Cina and Pavla Tomicová in Chica Checa (© Silk Films)

Young Czech director Šimon Holý, who recently completed his “women trilogy” with the theatrical release of Hello, Welcome [+see also:
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The narrative follows Zdena (Pavla Tomicová, of And Then There Was Love [+see also:
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“Working within the framework of social realism, I wanted to subtly reshape this genre, which is popular among Czech filmmakers, to offer a more comic, yet paradoxically melancholic, perspective. In these gloomy times, it suggests a sense of hope for brighter days,” explains the director.

Chica Checa explores the themes of identity, family and acceptance, using a blend of humour and realism to address weightier subjects like sexuality, generational conflict and the intricacies of rural life in contemporary Czech society. “We aimed to create a straightforward yet impactful story about a female protagonist who, despite the challenges she faces, remains determined to live life on her own terms. Šimon and I appreciate stories that tackle serious themes with a light-hearted, humorous touch,” said the film’s producer, Alžběta Janáčková, of Silk Films. Principal photography is complete, with the majority of the feature having been shot in various locations across the Czech Republic, and with additional scenes planned for filming in France. The post-production work is slated to last until March 2025.

In addition to Tomicová and Cina, the cast includes Alexandra Borbély (from Slovakia's Oscar submission The Hungarian Dressmaker [+see also:
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interview: Petr Zelenka
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interview: Jiří Konečný
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film profile]), Ludmila Sonková, Miroslav Kumhala and Martin Hronský, among others. Jana Hojdová, who has been the cinematographer for all of Holý’s films, aims to capture the authenticity of village life while bringing a nuanced touch to the movie’s emotional and comedic aspects.

The creative team is predominantly composed of women, a staple of Holý’s work, including editor Sabina Mladenová, sound designer Anna Jesenská and costume designer Helena Tavelová. With its portrayal of modern family dynamics and a drag artist’s experience in a conservative village, Chica Checa contributes to the broader conversation on gender, sexuality and societal expectations. The Czech Film Fund has praised the project, highlighting “the thoughtful casting choices and the delicate balance of multiple genres. The central theme of coming out is handled with subtlety, depth and an appeal that resonates internationally.”

Chica Checa is being produced by Silk Films (Czech Republic), and co-produced by Arina Films (Slovakia), The French Connection (France) and Czech Television. The Czech Film Fund, Slovak Audiovisual Fund and Ile-de-France Film Fund have all supported the film. The domestic theatrical release is scheduled for early 2026. Negotiations with international sales agents are in progress.