North American Premiere
Faced with the choice between staying true to his principles or risking his livelihood and freedom, the small-town notary at the centre of The Word is uncompromising in his beliefs and refuses to join the Communist Party. Set in politically turbulent Czechoslovakia during the summer of 1968, Beata Parkanová’s graceful film, inspired by her own grandparents, depicts the intimate lives of Václav and Věra, and their practical but enduring bond in the midst of political intimidation and harassment. The cinematography is stunning and precise in its close-ups and camera movement.
Long, extended takes and morally complex dialogue build tension in the scenes and underlie the main protagonist’s innate sense of justice. Martin Finger shines in a subtly powerful performance as a man who struggles with depression but remains true to his inner calling, and Gabriela Mikulková is forceful as a woman who is a tense and controlled pillar of strength.
Crystal Globe Competition Awards for Best Director and Best Actress, Karlovy Vary 2022
Martin Finger, Gabriela Mikulková, Jenovéfa Boková, Marek Geišberg, Tatjana Medvecká, Antonie Formanová
Czech Republic/Slovakia/Poland
2022
In Czech and Slovak with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Time and Water
Sara Dosa (Fire of Love) turns her attentions from volcanoes to glaciers in this singular, personal collaboration with the Icelandic writer Andri Snær Magnason, who ruminates on the loss of ties to family and to landscape.
Mistura
This foodie film from Peru tells the story of a newly single socialite reinventing herself — and the local cuisine — after her husband has left her for a younger woman. Along the way, she finds support from unexpected places...
Hanami
On the volcanic island Cape Verde, young Nana is on the cusp of self-discovery. When her long-absent mother returns, the lyricism and magic of Nana's childhood take a different shape. Winner of the Best Emerging Director Award, Locarno Film Festival.
Everybody to Kenmure Street
This rousing documentary (100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) never puts a foot wrong as it recreates a tense, prolonged stand-off between the police and the citizens of Glasgow when an Immigration Enforcement squad attempt to arrest two men from their homes.
Another World
This hit anime from Hong Kong gives us an unpredictable, sometimes darkly karmic tale taking place on either side of the afterlife involving a headstrong princess with bad karma and the spirit guide who tries to help her get on a better path.
Credits
Producer
Vojtěch Frič, Ondřej Kulhánek, Maroš Hečko, Peter Veverka, Ondřej Zach
Screenwriter
Beata Parkanová
Cinematography
Tomáš Juríček
Editor
Alois Fišárek
Production Design
Jan Vlček
Original Music
Jan. P. Muchov
Director
Beata Parkanová
Beata Parkanová is a screenwriter, director, and book author. She graduated from the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague in 2015. Before starting a film career, she wrote several books, including ones for children. Her first feature film was Chvilky (2018), which screened in the East of the West Competition at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Filmography: Chvilky (2018)