The story of Slovak figure skater Ondrej Nepela, who represented Czechoslovakia and became the 1972 Olympic champion, a three-time world champion and a five-time European champion, is being adapted for the big screen for the first time since his death 36 years ago. Surprisingly, his life and legacy are being portrayed not once, but twice, as Slovak and Czech filmmaking teams are simultaneously working on biopics under the same title, Nepela.

One project, directed by Czech filmmaker Jakub Červenka (Talks with T.G. Masaryk [+lire aussi :
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fiche film]), focuses on 24 pivotal hours in Nepela’s life. Co-written by Červenka and Nina Morgenstein, the story follows the figure skater, who was closeted at the time, and portrays a young man grappling with personal and political pressures within the confines of Czechoslovakia’s restrictive regime. The film aims to underpin his struggle for freedom, both as an individual yearning for self-determination, and as someone seeking to live openly without fear of his sexual orientation being exposed and exploited by the regime. “Nepela is an auteur project we have been working on since 2018. It is a period film portraying a young man’s fight for personal freedom and self-determination. We believe his story remains relevant today, resonating not only with those who remember the era, but also with younger audiences,” producer Petr Kratochvíl told Cineuropa.

The role of Nepela is played by young Slovak actor Adam Kubala, while his coach, Hilda Múdra, is portrayed by Slovak actress Jana Nagyová (Prince Mama's Boy). The cast also includes Czech and Slovak actors Karel Dobrý, Cyril Dobrý, Roman Luknár, Miroslav Hanuš, Peter Bebjak, Eva Lehotská and Martina Jindrová. Key members of the creative team include cinematographer Martin Štrba (The Painted Bird [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
interview : Václav Marhoul
fiche film]), costume designer Katarína Štrbová-Bieliková (The Hungarian Dressmaker [+lire aussi :
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bande-annonce
interview : Iveta Grófová
fiche film]) and make-up artist Juraj Steiner (Kryštof [+lire aussi :
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bande-annonce
fiche film]). Principal photography is ongoing and is scheduled to conclude by mid-April, with post-production set to continue until December. The premiere is anticipated in February 2026.

The second biopic is being developed under Slovak producer Ivan Ostrochovský (Servants [+lire aussi :
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interview : Ivan Ostrochovský
fiche film]) and marks the feature debut by young Slovak director Gregor Valentovič, who is also working on his project Twentyseven (see the report). Valentovič’s film focuses on the critical years of 1972 and 1973, when Nepela, despite his desire to retire, was pressured by the communist regime to continue competing for propaganda purposes. “I’ve always been fascinated by his ethereal, elusive persona. I realised it was essential to make a film about him. His story of longing for escape and freedom during the complicated era of normalisation remains relevant even today,” Valentovič explained.

In Gregovič´s version, Nepela is portrayed by Czech actor Josef Trojan (Charlatan [+lire aussi :
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interview : Agnieszka Holland
fiche film]), while Slovak actress Zuzana Mauréry (The Teacher [+lire aussi :
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interview : Jan Hřebejk
fiche film]) takes on the role of Hilda Múdra. The creative team includes Polish DoP Adam Suzin, who recently worked on Tereza Nvotová’s forthcoming drama Father, Slovak editor Roman Kelemen (The Sailor [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film]), costume designer Helena Tavelová (Brutal Heat [+lire aussi :
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bande-annonce
interview : Albert Hospodářský
fiche film]), and production designers Dorota Volfová and Brigita Teplánová (Perla [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
interview : Alexandra Makarová
fiche film]). Ostrochovský acknowledged the unique situation of two films being made simultaneously about Nepela, remarking, “It’s interesting that two creative teams have taken notice of Nepela’s story. In the near future, two films about him will be made. Nepela was such an extraordinary athlete that he certainly deserves two movies.” Valentovič´s film is scheduled for a local theatrical release in 2025.

Červenka’s Nepela is being co-produced on the Czech side by Bedna Films, Czech Television and PFX, and on the Slovak side by B Production and Novinski, while Slovak Television and Radio is in negotiations. The Czech Audiovisual Fund, Slovak Audiovisual Fund and Creative Europe – MEDIA supported the film. The domestic distributor is Continental Film.

Valentovič’s Nepela, meanwhile, is being produced by Punkchart Films and InFilm Praha, and co-produced by CinemArt. The Slovak Audiovisual Fund and Creative Europe – MEDIA supported the movie. CinemArt is the local distributor.