In an effort to fuse historical storytelling with elements of fantasy, first-time director-animator Šimon Koudela is currently filming Fichtelberg. The historical, family-orientated animation project completed principal photography at the end of October. Koudela's previous work includes a number of short animated films that incorporated live-action elements, such as The Night I Wake, Robinson and The Castaway. He has also contributed to several features as an animator and VFX composer.

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The narrative, set in 1547, centres on Petr Pětipeský, a young, orphaned knight portrayed by Jan Dlouhý, who becomes the custodian of the picturesque village of Urbach, nestled beneath the towering Fichtelberg mountain. His duty to construct a bridge to the adjacent mineral-rich forest transforms into an epic adventure as he encounters a series of supernatural events. With villagers mysteriously disappearing and graves being exhumed, rumours of a diabolical curse begin to spread across the valley. The tale takes a personal turn for Petr when his beloved Alma goes missing, pulling him into the depths of a dark plot masterminded by the villainous Moro.

The director aims to weave a rich narrative that juxtaposes the power of imagination with the prevailing societal fears and superstitions. The film's visual style promises to be a blend of live-action sequences, with Jan Baset Střítežský, of Little Crusader [+lire aussi :
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interview : Václav Kadrnka
fiche film] fame, serving as the director of photography, and animated layers. This mixed-media approach will utilise both 3D and 2D techniques, complemented by photographic matte-painting backdrops in the tradition of the films of Karel Zeman. This fusion of real footage with animation is intended to evoke the atmospheric essence of a historical period cloaked in mystery.

The storyline is poised to depict the cultural transition from medieval mysticism to the enlightened thought of the Renaissance – a transformation that is reflected in the evolving perspectives of the characters. Central to the film is the young knight's journey to maturity, a pivotal coming-of-age tale where the characters must confront and overcome their archaic beliefs and fears to fulfil their destinies.

Fichtelberg delves into the tumultuous period of transformation where ancient beliefs and emerging new worldviews collide against the evocative backdrop of Bohemia's whispering forests and majestic mountains. The film navigates through this era of upheaval through the experiences of its protagonist, challenging the audience to walk the tightrope between dread and bravery, between the real and the fantastical. It will invite viewers into a world where the enigmatic legacies of the past converge with the nascent light of the Enlightenment. The ensemble cast features Ivan Franěk (Two Words as the Key), Karel Dobrý (Restore Point [+lire aussi :
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interview : Robert Hloz
fiche film]), Jitka Ježková (Watchdogs), Jiří Štěpnička (In the Shadow [+lire aussi :
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fiche film]), Jakub Žáček (Schmitke [+lire aussi :
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Fichtelberg is being produced by Cineart TV Prague (Viktor Schwarcz), and co-produced by Czech Television (Alena Müllerová) and Slovak production outfit Arina (Silvia Panáková). The project has been supported by the Czech Film Fund, Slovak Audiovisual Fund, and the Ústi and Pilsen regions. Cinemart will handle the Czech theatrical release, with a premiere slated for October 2025.

You can watch the making-of video below: