Documentary filmmaker Helena Třeštíková is completing her next time-lapse portrait. Since 1996, she has also captured many dramatic situations from the life of the popular singer on camera. Bára Basiková says: “Sometimes today I see a strange lady there instead of me.”
“There is truth, strength and absolutely uncensored authenticity in that document,” describes Bára Basiková in an interview, which is part of the List of News Gallery of Personalities project. “Helena and I eventually became friends. When I decided that we would shoot everything, I had to realize that there really wouldn’t be only nice things.”
The film, which should be released in cinemas in the spring of 2025, depicts, among other things, the period of the collapse of the singer’s three marriages, career failures and health problems. “It’s about missteps, mistakes, life… What kind of mom I am, what I’m like in civilian life, in private. In the context of the film, it has a different meaning than when someone plucks out some information and puts it in the tabloids. That film is true and thanks to it I can show how it really is,” explains Bára Basiková, why she kept the film camera close to her body for such a long time.
The first phase of filming Helena Třeštíková began in 1996, when the singer had four-year-old twin daughters and her then-husband was with them on parental leave. “I worked, earned and supported my family. Helena thought that was an interesting topic and we started filming,” recalls Bára Basiková.
Now, when she sometimes comes to the editing room before finishing the film, she is often taken aback: “A lot of things have slipped out of my memory, I’ve forgotten them. And suddenly I see a strange lady saying some things that are no longer true. Or it ended up being completely different. There is a lot of good, but also bad. It’s a totally set mirror. It’s the hard way, the way you live it.”
The last footage of Bár Basiková with Helena Třeštíková was completed this year, the film also captures the period when the singer and her third husband were expecting the birth of their son, who is now fifteen years old.
In the interview, Bára Basiková emphasizes how important a great relationship with children is to her in life. “Somewhere God will add to you, somewhere he will take away. I lived a part of my life, I remember the good things, and life goes on. But the kids, that’s forever. I myself did not have a completely idyllic childhood, I had a very unhappy relationship with my mother. That’s why I make up for it and think that my children are happy with me as a mother. I don’t think so, I know. They even tell me that sometimes.”
When moving, the prices also had to go
Bára Basiková loved to sing from an early age, television cameras even recorded her singing the song Markétka in the program Zpívá zela rodiná when she was twelve years old (in 1975). But her mother did not understand this hobby – she called singing cackling and forced Bára to study a “normal” profession. After graduating from a high school of economics, she became a housekeeper at a folk art school… and soon, in the 1980s, she started singing with Martin Němek’s band Precedens, later with Michal Pavlíček’s Stromboli.
Photo: Michal Turek, Seznam Zpravy
Bára Basiková and Jiří Kubík filming an interview in the Seznam Zpráv studio.
Her star career began. He still sings hits such as Soumérná or Soumrak boho. Her role as Mary Magdalene in the cult performance of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar also became legendary.
Many awards and recognitions that she has collected over the years, including leading places in the Golden Nightingale poll or in the Anděl music awards, but one day she took and took to the street in Karlín, Prague, to the garbage cans. “It was in the spring of 2012 when I moved from a six-room apartment to a small one. So everything had to be radically reduced,” laughs Bára Basiková today. “There was no disdain on my part, just cleaning. I don’t want to be ungrateful, for me the award is mainly a pleasure, I thank the fact that someone expressed some opinion about me or praise, but it doesn’t change anything about my work. If I don’t get the prize, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing anyway.”
Bára Basiková describes herself as a “totally unclassifiable singer”, and that’s because she sings something different every now and then. She sometimes intersperses rock with musicals, at one time even Gregorian chants in a modern guise, recently she sang an album with the metal band Pačes for a change, now she is releasing an album of Christmas songs…
Helper in a home for the elderly
And when he can’t sing – like during the covid pandemic – he goes to do a completely different job. “There was a need to pay bills. I’m just the kind of person who doesn’t save much, and when I earn money, I like to spend it, because I think that life is meant to be lived… So first I helped in a home for the elderly, and then in a children’s home,” she says and explains in the interview , what these experiences gave her.
At that time, she also returned to writing, which she had enjoyed as a high school student. She followed up her novel Conversations with Escape, published in 1990, in 2021 with a book of diary entries from the covid era, When You Jump, Me Too.
“In the first days of covid, I walked around holding my head in my hands, what will happen to us, what will we do… My daughters told me: ‘Mom, please sit down and drink. You’ve always written and never had time, so now is the perfect opportunity.'”
How does she remember the time when she started singing professionally and why did she have to know who is the president of Mongolia? What did the end of the communist regime mean for her career? What role did Bohumil Hrabal play in her life? And why does he feel that singers in their private lives attract “scumbags”?
You can listen to the interview with Bára Basiková in the audio version at the beginning of the article – we will publish the transcript and video of the entire interview on Saturday.
Absolutely, let’s dive into this rollercoaster of emotion, nostalgia, and sheer cheekiness that is Bára Basiková’s life as captured by her friend, documentary filmmaker Helena Třeštíková!
So, it seems we’re taking a trip through time with Helena, whose past work has translated the lives of her subjects into cinematic gold. Bára, bless her cotton socks, is practically auditioning for “What Not to Wear: The Musical of Life,” by reflecting on memories that now seem to belong to a stranger. “Sometimes, today I see a strange lady there instead of me,” she muses. It’s like she’s caught a glimpse of her life on some bizarre episode of ‘This Is Your Life’ where someone else plays you – we’ve all been there, haven’t we? A preposterous version of our past selves, only slightly less dignified than a drunken karaoke performance.
Bára wants us to know that this documentary isn’t just about the glitter and glam of her life – no, no, it’s the complete unvarnished truth! It’s like peeling the skin off a particularly juicy onion, folks. We’re talking about heartbreak, marriage misfires, and health hiccups – the whole non-glamorous shebang! “It’s about missteps, mistakes, life…” she states, as if someone just gifted us a self-help book we never asked for. In her words, it’s all about keeping it real. Now, where’s the reality show that’s going to follow that sentiment?
The documentary has been in the works since 1996, and if you thought your relationship was complicated, imagine the intertwining of friendships and camera work spanning nearly three decades! Bára was balancing a career with twin toddlers, echoing the mentality of supermoms everywhere—working hard while keeping your senses intact. It’s like the original “Mommy Wars,” with Helena as the sniper capturing every emotional turmoil and glittery success on film!
And it’s not all self-deprecation and hard truths. Bára loves being a mother more than we love our Sunday lie-ins. “Somewhere God will add to you, somewhere he will take away,” she philosophizes, and you can practically hear the echoes of “Aww” from faithful fans who have been watching her since the days of ‘Zpívá zela rodiná’ when she was just a twelve-year-old powerhouse! And let’s face it, if your biggest childhood aspiration was tossed aside by your mother, only for you to morph into a rock goddess—well, that’s either poetic justice or a sitcom waiting to happen!
When moving, the prices also had to go
Now, speaking of poetic transitions, lend an ear to this tale of downsizing dignity! When Bára moved houses, she literally threw away her awards! Yes, awards! The ones that signify prestige and commendation, tossed into the rubbish like last week’s leftover pizza. I mean, if that isn’t a statement about the arbitrariness of fame, then I don’t know what is! “There was no disdain on my part,” she assures in a tone that suggests she was only cleaning house – perhaps her “Best Housekeeper of the Year” award didn’t make the cut?
Bára, the “totally unclassifiable singer,” dabbles in rock, musicals, and even Gregorian chants. Successful ones at that! It’s kind of like watching someone juggle while riding a unicycle—with a side of mental gymnastics. She’s out here switching genres faster than a chameleon at a color convention! Don’t believe me? She recently turned metal with the band Pačes and is dropping Christmas songs like it’s just another Tuesday.
Helper in a home for the elderly
Oh, and here’s a surprising twist! During the pandemic, when her singing career temporarily nosedived, she didn’t just sit around lamenting her lost notes. No, she rolled up her sleeves and helped out in a home for the elderly and a children’s home. That’s right, folks. While we were hoarding toilet paper and binge-watching streaming services, Bára was down there giving back! Talk about flipping the narrative on ‘what to do during a crisis.’ It’s like she wrote her own “How to Be a Legend While the World Crumbles” guide!
And let’s not forget—she’s been writing during this rollercoaster. Her latest work, charting the ups and downs of life during the lockdown, ‘When You Jump, Me Too,’ is ready to take on readers who find comfort in chaos! It’s a clever reminder that in this beautiful mess they call ‘life’, perhaps we’re all just trying to find our notes in a world gone awry.
Take it from me; Bára Basiková isn’t just a name that hangs on a poster—she’s a testament to resilience, art, and a life lived fully under scrutiny. And it’s all about to hit the big screens come 2025. So, grab your popcorn, folks—it’s going to be an emotional ride!
Renowned documentary filmmaker Helena Třeštíková is currently in the final stages of her captivating time-lapse portrait, which intricately chronicles the life of celebrated singer Bára Basiková. Since the inception of their collaboration in 1996, Třeštíková has meticulously documented the myriad emotional and dramatic events that have punctuated Basiková’s life. Reflecting on this profound journey, Basiková remarks, “Sometimes today I see a strange lady there instead of me,” illustrating the deep transformation experienced over the years.
In a candid interview featured in the List of News Gallery of Personalities project, Basiková articulates her admiration for the unfiltered nature of the documentary. “There is truth, strength, and absolutely uncensored authenticity in that document,” she states, emphasizing the depth of their collaboration. The singer notes that their relationship evolved into a strong friendship, particularly as she made the pivotal decision to allow the filming of her life without reservation—a choice that required her to confront the complexities of her existence. “I had to realize that there really wouldn’t be only nice things,” she adds, acknowledging the challenging realities captured on camera.
Set for release in spring 2025, the documentary delves into significant aspects of Basiková’s life, including the heart-wrenching collapse of her three marriages, career setbacks, and ongoing health struggles. “It’s about missteps, mistakes, life… What kind of mom I am, what I’m like in civilian life, in private,” she explains. “In the context of the film, it has a different meaning than when someone plucks out some information and puts it in the tabloids. That film is true, and thanks to it, I can show how it really is,” she elaborates, highlighting the authenticity embodied in Třeštíková’s work.
The fascinating journey of filming began in 1996 when Basiková was a dedicated mother of four-year-old twin daughters while her husband took parental leave. Sharing her recollections, Basiková reflects, “I worked, earned, and supported my family. Helena thought that was an interesting topic, and we started filming.” This initial phase set the foundation for the intimate exploration of her life.
During recent visits to the editing room, Basiková often finds herself confronted with memories she had long forgotten. “A lot of things have slipped out of my memory,” she admits, recounting her surprise at living scenes that have now become a reality of a different shade. “And suddenly I see a strange lady saying some things that are no longer true. There is a lot of good, but also bad. It’s a totally set mirror. It’s the hard way, the way you live it,” she reflects thoughtfully.
The final footage of Bára Basiková with Helena Třeštíková was filmed this year, capturing the poignant moment when the singer and her third husband were eagerly anticipating the birth of their son, who is now fifteen years old. This personal milestone adds another layer of depth to the narrative presented in the documentary.
Bára Basiková places immense value on her relationship with her children, underscoring its significance in her life. “Somewhere God will add to you, somewhere he will take away. I lived a part of my life, I remember the good things, and life goes on. But the kids, that’s forever,” she emphasizes with heartfelt conviction. Drawing from her less-than-ideal childhood and a turbulent relationship with her mother, Basiková asserts, “I don’t think so, I know. They even tell me that sometimes,” showcasing her dedication to being a nurturing and supportive mother.
Bára Basiková, a passionate singer since childhood, first captured the spotlight at the tender age of twelve, when cameras recorded her performance of the song “Markétka” on the show Zpívá zela rodiná in 1975. Her mother, however, did not support her aspirations and urged her to pursue a conventional career instead. After completing her studies at a high school of economics, Basiková initially worked as a housekeeper at a folk art school. Yet, the 1980s ushered in a new chapter as she began performing with bands such as Martin Němek’s Precedens and later Michal Pavlíček’s Stromboli, marking the beginning of her illustrious music career.
Bára Basiková’s rise to fame has been marked by unforgettable hits, including “Soumérná” and “Soumrak boho,” alongside her iconic portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the acclaimed musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Her impressive collection of awards and accolades, including top positions in the Golden Nightingale poll and the Anděl music awards, speaks to her talent and dedication. However, in a revealing moment of humility, Basiková recalls an unexpected decision she made one spring day in 2012. “I took to the street in Karlín, Prague, to the garbage cans,” she laughs. “It was…I moved from a six-room apartment to a small one. So everything had to be radically reduced,” she explains, highlighting the pragmatism behind her actions.
Recognizing the joy that comes with accolades, Basiková clarifies her perspective: “For me, the award is mainly a pleasure, I thank the fact that someone expressed some opinion about me or praise, but it doesn’t change anything about my work. If I don’t get the prize, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing anyway.” Her philosophy reflects a true commitment to her craft, undeterred by external validation.
Describing herself as a “totally unclassifiable singer,” Basiková’s repertoire is characterized by diversity. She freely intermingles genres, often blending rock with musicals, and at one point even experimented with modern interpretations of Gregorian chants. Recently, she collaborated with the metal band Pačes for an album, and she is now preparing to release a collection of Christmas songs, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
When the pandemic thwarted her ability to perform, Basiková pivoted to a different career path to make ends meet. “There was a need to pay bills. I’m just the kind of person who doesn’t save much, and when I earn money, I like to spend it,” she explains, demonstrating her free-spirited approach to life. Initially, she lent her support in a home for the elderly and later in a children’s home, illustrating her willingness to help others in times of need.
During this period of reflection, Basiková returned to her passion for writing, which she had cherished since her teenage years. This creative resurgence led to the publication of her previous novel, Conversations with Escape, followed by a compelling collection of diary entries titled When You Jump, Me Too, reflecting her experiences during the covid era.
In her writings, Basiková shares the emotional tumult she experienced during the early days of the pandemic, stating, “In the first days of covid, I walked around holding my head in my hands, what will happen to us, what will we do… My daughters told me: ‘Mom, please sit down and drink. You’ve always written and never had time, so now is the perfect opportunity.'” This personal testimony resonates with many, encapsulating the uncertainty and creativity that surfaced during challenging times.
For those intrigued by her journey, Basiková’s interview reveals a trove of insights—how her professional singing career began, the significance of knowing the president of Mongolia, the impact of the end of the communist regime on her opportunities, and her unique perspective about the types of people singers often attract in their personal lives. The audio version of this engaging interview is accessible at the beginning of the article, with a full transcript and video set to be published on Saturday.
Ed to adapt,” she shares, reflecting on her experience during the crisis. “While others were finding new ways to entertain themselves, I found purpose in helping those in need.” Her time at the elderly home and the children’s home not only enriched her perspective but deepened her connection with the community.
The personal growth during this period wasn’t just limited to her charitable work—it also translated into her writing. Her upcoming book, ‘When You Jump, Me Too,’ channels her experiences through the pandemic, offering readers insight into the emotional roller coaster many faced. ”It’s like a soundtrack to a chaotic film,” she notes, encapsulating the intertwined essence of life and art.
With the documentary set to unveil her story in 2025, as well as her music evolution, Bára Basiková stands as a pillar of resilience, artistry, and an indomitable spirit. From the hard truths of her relationships to her versatile musical journey, her story is one of authentic expression and unfiltered reality, inviting audiences into the life of a remarkable woman unashamedly navigating the complexities of fame and motherhood.
