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The Word film image, director Beata Parkanová

The Word

Slovo

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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

Director
Cast

Martin Finger, Gabriela Mikulková, Jenovéfa Boková, Marek Geišberg, Tatjana Medvecká, Antonie Formanová

Credits
Country of Origin

Czech Republic/Slovakia/Poland

Year

2022

Language

In Czech and Slovak with English subtitles

Film Contact
Links
18+
100 min
Award Winners Drama Women Directors

Book Tickets

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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 headshot, The Word 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)