The 28th Made in Prague Festival presents the UK premiere of Adam Martinec’s ‘A Rowdily Tragicomic Ode to Family Feuds and Disappearing Traditions‘, inspired by Miloš Forman’s films and Bohumil Hrabal’s poetics. The film received the Jury’s Special Mention at the 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
The women cry over onions in the kitchen, united in exasperation with their men. The men, led by recent widower Karel, drink plum brandy outside, preparing for a pig killing. This annual gathering is when the family reconnects to enjoy great food. However, family tensions are high this year, and things are not going as planned. Karel’s daughter Romana misses her mother, her sister’s marriage is on the rocks, and Grandpa doesn’t want to do more pig killings. At the same time, the butcher hides the fact that the ammunition is damp and a nosy neighbour plans to report the illegal slaughter. Amidst the chaos, six-year-old Dusik goes missing. Inspired by Miloš Forman’s film and Bohumil Hrabal’s poetics, the director unveils the Czech temperament, creating a poignant comedy full of slapstick moments, searing humour and great empathy amidst gender and generational divides. With strong visuals, an atmospheric soundtrack, and a fantastic array of non-actors, this remarkable debut blends tragic and comic undertones.
Cast: Karel Martinec, Miloslav Čížek, Pavlina Balner, Aleš Bílík, Karin Bilíková
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2024
A Special Award Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2024
Our Lovely Pig Slaughter + Q&A with Adam Martinec / Czech Centre London (czechcentres.cz)
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