After Party
Young student Jindřiška is enjoying the summer until one holiday morning after a party she wakes up in a house full of executors. She learns that her father has incurred huge debts, and in addition to executors, he is also being sought by debt collectors.
Fans of Brad Pitt and George Clooney blocked the premiere of their new film in Venice
Film
With a hangover and her best friend by her side, she must decide in one day whether to help her father or save herself while there’s still time. Vojtěch Strakatý’s authentic and fresh debut, inspired by real experiences, shined at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Drama. Czech Republic, 2024, 89 min. Director and script: Vojtěch Strakatý. Cast: Eliška Bašusová, Anna Tomanová, Jan Zadražil, Monika Zoubková
Trailer filmu After PartyVideo: Aerofilms
Dahomey
November 2021. Twenty-six royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey are about to leave Paris and return to their country of origin, present-day Benin. Along with thousands of others, these artifacts were stolen by French colonial troops in 1892.
But what attitude to take on the return of ancestors to a country that had to move forward in their absence? This is also a lively debate among students at the University of Abomey-Calavi.
Documentary. France/Senegal/Benin, 2024, 68 min. Director and screenplay: Mati Diop
Trailer dokumentu DahomeyVideo: Film Europe Media Company
Gladiator II
Lucius (Paul Mescal), grandson of the emperor Marcus Aurelius and son of the “first” gladiator Maximus, lives in secret in one of the last free cities in North Africa. However, the expanding Roman Empire will not leave him alone.
Gladiator II is heading to cinemas. The legend returns for almost a quarter of a century
Film
All it takes is one massive attack by the fleet led by General Acacio (Pedro Pascal) and the prosperous city turns into ruins and the free Lucius into a nameless slave. The shapely captive is noticed by the organizer of gladiator matches Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who wants to make him the star of the Roman Coliseum…
Action/Adventure/Drama. USA/UK, 2024, 148 min. Director: Ridley Scott. Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas, Lior Raz, May Calamawy
Gladiator II movie trailerVideo: CinemArt
Friends from Papuchalkova skály
How does this happen? It’s busy on Papuchalková skála, a charming island near Ireland. Hundreds of new puffins arrived here, which were deprived of a home by the changing weather, terrible storms and other calamities. Oona and her little brother Baba will have new friends! For example, Isabelle the puffin and Phoenix the pheasant or Marvin the otter.
And now they are facing two dangers – the last puffin egg of the season has been lost under mysterious circumstances and a terrible storm is coming to the island. Can Oona and her friends save the egg before the storm hits?
Animated/Family. Ireland/Great Britain, 2023, 80 min. Directed by Jeremy Purcell
Trailer of the film Comrades z Papuchalkova skályVideo: AČFK
Looney Tunes: Bubblegum Disaster
When a mysterious flying object destroys the roof of their house, they find themselves without money for repairs and in danger of losing their home. Luckily, Petunia the pig comes to their rescue and gets them a job at a local gum factory where she works as a flavor expert. The problems seem to be solved until Daffy notices something suspicious.
Already sold worldwide, the new flavor of the gum contains a mysterious green slime. It soon turns out that the chewing gum turns people into zombies!
Animated/Adventure/Comedy/Sci-Fi. USA/Canada/Great Britain, 2024, 90 min. Directed by: Peter Browngardt
Trailer of the Looney Tunes fairy tale: Chewing gum disasterVideo: Bioscop
Don’t take our playground!
Alma has recently moved to a new neighborhood that houses a skateboard park, a favorite spot of her classmate Luna. Alma and Luna not only don’t get along – they are openly hostile! When Alma discovers that her father’s company plans to demolish the playground, she decides to save the green space.
Alma soon realizes that she will need more than her own determination to achieve her goal. To save the playground, she must join forces with her greatest enemy, Luna, and her skateboarding gang.
Adventure/Drama/Family. Czech Republic/Slovenia/Serbia/Croatia, 2024, 79 min. Director: Klemen Dvornik. Starring: Tihomir Stanič, Enis Bešlagić, Ivana Roščićová, Marko Mandić, Kaja Zabretová, Kaja Šuštarová
Trailer of the film Don’t take away our playground! Video: Forum Film
President
For five years she was the president of crisis-ridden Slovakia. For five years, the film crew followed her closely, even in situations where other cameras could not. Political and personal dramas, meetings with world leaders over global dilemmas, but also with ordinary citizens over everyday problems.
REVIEW: Five turbulent years of Zuzana Čaputová
Film
An extremely intimate portrait of a woman who tries to bring a humane open approach to the traditionally male competitive world of top politics, while above all remaining a good mother to her daughters. The beloved and hated Zuzana Čaputová.
Documentary. Slovakia/Czech Republic, 2024, 108 min. Director and script: Marek Šulík
Trailer document PrezidentkaVideo: Aerofilms
Tramps on Cannibal Island
Three friends, vagabonds Pavel Liška, Jan Révai and Hynek Bernard, set off on their motorbikes to wild Papua New Guinea. One of the least explored places in the world, where until recently some indigenous tribes paid for the feared cannibals.
Pavel Liška and Jan Révai invite the audience to the island of cannibals
Film
Experienced traveler Miloslav Stingl accompanies them on their journey to adventure – or is he just a wooden puppet? In the middle of the magical jungle, where the border between dream and reality disappears, they have to be very careful so that everyone really returns home.
Documentary/adventure. Czech Republic, 2024, 99 min. Director: Marek Najbrt. Starring: Pavel Liška, Jan Révai, Hynek Bernard
Trailer of the documentary Hobos on the Island of CannibalsVideo: 38Film
How much disgust can one woman take? This is what the President is all about
Film
REVIEW: War correspondent Martin Dorazín asks questions about the nature and responsibility of his work
Film
Welcome to Film Buzz: From Parties to Politics and Puffins
Alright, grab your popcorn and settle in, because we’re diving headfirst into a smorgasbord of cinematic delights that range from an after-party hangover to political dramas and animated shenanigans featuring puffins. And yes, I promise, no one will be turning into a zombie—unless you consider the state of film criticism these days!
After Party
Imagine waking up post-party, head spinning like a washing machine, only to find a crowd of accountants gearing up for a financial bloodbath. Meet Jindřiška, a young student who faces a day of reckoning after learning her dear dad has dug a debt hole deep enough to lose an entire pickup truck in! For a film debut that shined brighter than a disco ball at the Venice Film Festival, Vojtěch Strakatý brings us a relatable drama with enough humor to make you laugh through the tears—like finding a tenner in an old jacket! This film is a heady mix of “What happened last night?” and “Oh no, what do I do now?”
Dahomey
Fast forward to November 2021, and we’re in Paris, staring down the barrel of twenty-six royal treasures ready for a homecoming to Benin. But this isn’t your regular tear-jerker; it’s more about how to deal with all that lost time whilst juggling a historical identity crisis. It’s the kind of conversation that’ll leave you questioning your own relationship with historical artifacts—do they still have ‘family’ dinners, or is it all awkward silence now? Directed by Mati Diop, this documentary takes on deep themes and leaves you with plenty to ponder—as if we needed another reason to avoid small talk at dinner parties.
Gladiator II
Ah, the gladiatorial revival we didn’t know we needed! What happens in the boots of infamous Maximus? His grandson, Lucius, gets a front-row seat to the chaos of the Roman Empire where his escape plan is less “daring hero” and more “oops, I got captured.” With big names like Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal aboard, “Gladiator II” promises epic battles, emotional turmoil, and enough drama to make you spill your popcorn. After nearly a quarter of a century, Ridley Scott is back—because Hollywood finds it tough to let any ancient storyline rest for too long!
Friends from Papuchalkova skály
Now, let’s veer into cuteness with “Friends from Papuchalkova skály.” Puffins, storms, and a forgotten egg create the perfect recipe for an adventure that’s as wholesome as it is thrilling. Think of it as “Finding Nemo,” but with feathered friends, and maybe slightly less existential dread! Directed by Jeremy Purcell, this film is a family affair that’ll warm your cockles—and possibly lead to a new obsession with puffins!
Looney Tunes: Bubblegum Disaster
Remember when cartoons were just funny without a side of existential horror? Enter “Looney Tunes: Bubblegum Disaster”—where one mischievous flying object turns into a gum-chewing, zombie-inducing escapade. But fear not! Petunia the pig is here to save the day—or, at least, entertain you while the rest of the gang does their thing. It’s that mix of absurdity and nostalgia we never knew we craved! Directed by Peter Browngardt, this film is set to be a sugary affair that’s sure to tickle your funny bone.
Don’t Take Our Playground!
Finally, for all those childhood memories tied to skateboards and shenanigans, “Don’t take our playground!” perfectly captures the essence of youthful rebellion. When Alma—the new girl on the block—discovers her father’s plan to demolish her new hangout, she teams up with the last person she’d ever want to be allies with. Who knew saving a playground could lead to intense friendship and ridiculous skateboarding stunts? A delightful adventure directed by Klemen Dvornik meant to send you down memory lane!
President
And then there’s “President,” following in the steely footprints of Zuzana Čaputová as she navigates through five years of political chaos. This documentary is the ultimate behind-the-scenes pass, showcasing all the glamorous and gritty details of leading a country while trying to balance motherhood. If politics interests you, or if you just wonder what life is like managing a nation, this one’s for you!
Tramps on Cannibal Island
If you thought politics was a tough gig, wait till you hear about three vagabonds on a perilous journey to Papua New Guinea! Navigating around cannibals? It’s either daring travel or grotesque sitcom material. Directed by Marek Najbrt, “Tramps on Cannibal Island” promises an insightful—and possibly hilarious—look at adventure when things go wildly off-course. And no, they don’t have the luxury of editing their encounters like in a sitcom!
So, film buffs, whether you’re tackling a party hangover, diving deep into history, or just wanting to embrace some fluffy puffin moments, there’s something here to tickle every fancy. Now, who’s pouring the next round of nachos and margaritas? Because I’m ready for more film reviews that keep me laughing harder than the plot twists!
After Party
Young student Jindřiška is relishing her summer until a holiday morning turns chaotic; after an unforgettable party, she awakens in a house surrounded by stern executors. As she comes to grips with the situation, she discovers that her father is buried under enormous debts and is being relentlessly pursued by aggressive debt collectors.
Fans of Brad Pitt and George Clooney blocked the premiere of their new film in Venice
Film
With a pounding hangover and her loyal best friend at her side, Jindřiška faces a harrowing dilemma—she must choose in just one day whether to assist her troubled father or prioritize her own escape while there’s still a glimmer of hope. Director Vojtěch Strakatý’s debut, which draws inspiration from real-life experiences, captivated audiences at the prestigious 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Drama. Czech Republic, 2024, 89 min. Director and script: Vojtěch Strakatý. Cast: Eliška Bašusová, Anna Tomanová, Jan Zadražil, Monika Zoubková
Trailer filmu After PartyVideo: Aerofilms
Dahomey
November 2021. In a historic return, twenty-six royal treasures belonging to the Kingdom of Dahomey are being prepared to leave Paris and journey back home to modern-day Benin. These invaluable artifacts were taken from their homeland by French colonial troops in a raid back in 1892.
Yet, a heated discussion unfolds about the repercussions of retrieving these ancestral treasures to a nation that has had to evolve dramatically in their absence. The University of Abomey-Calavi students engage passionately in this lively debate.
Documentary. France/Senegal/Benin, 2024, 68 min. Director and screenplay: Mati Diop
Trailer dokumentu DahomeyVideo: Film Europe Media Company
Gladiator II
Lucius (Paul Mescal), the grandson of the revered emperor Marcus Aurelius and son of the legendary gladiator Maximus, finds refuge in a hidden corner of one of North Africa’s last free cities. However, the ever-expanding grip of the Roman Empire threatens to shatter his newfound freedom.
Gladiator II is heading to cinemas. The legend returns for almost a quarter of a century
Film
In an instant, a massive assault by the Roman fleet under the command of General Acacio (Pedro Pascal) obliterates the prosperous city, transforming Lucius from a free man into a nameless slave. Captured, he catches the eye of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), an organizer of gladiatorial games, who sees potential in him to become a sensation within the Roman Coliseum…
Action/Adventure/Drama. USA/UK, 2024, 148 min. Director: Ridley Scott. Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas, Lior Raz, May Calamawy
Gladiator II movie trailerVideo: CinemArt
Friends from Papuchalkova skály
On the picturesque Papuchalková skála, a charming island off the coast of Ireland, excitement reigns as hundreds of new puffins have arrived, displaced from their homes due to relentless storms and adverse weather conditions. Oona and her little brother Baba find an unexpected camaraderie with their new feathered friends including Isabelle the puffin, Phoenix the pheasant, and Marvin the otter.
Complications arise when the last puffin egg of the season goes missing under mysterious circumstances, just as a fierce storm threatens the island. Can Oona and her band of friends come together to find the lost egg before the storm descends?
Animated/Family. Ireland/Great Britain, 2023, 80 min. Directed by Jeremy Purcell
Trailer of the film Comrades z Papuchalkova skályVideo: AČFK
Looney Tunes: Bubblegum Disaster
When a strange flying object crash-lands and demolishes the roof of their home, the characters find themselves financially strained and at risk of losing their beloved abode. Fortunately, Petunia the pig steps in to lend a hand, securing them jobs at a nearby gum factory where she excels as a flavor expert. Just when it appears everything is back on track, Daffy Duck begins to sense that something isn’t quite right.
Disturbingly, the new gum flavor sweeping the market contains a bizarre green slime, leading to a shocking revelation—it transforms anyone who chews it into a zombie!
Animated/Adventure/Comedy/Sci-Fi. USA/Canada/Great Britain, 2024, 90 min. Directed by: Peter Browngardt
Trailer of the Looney Tunes fairy tale: Chewing gum disasterVideo: Bioscop
Don’t take our playground!
Alma recently relocated to a new neighborhood that features a beloved skateboard park, which happens to be Luna’s favorite haunt. Unfortunately, Alma and Luna are at odds, wielding open hostility toward each other. As fate would have it, Alma discovers her father’s company intends to demolish the playground, igniting her determination to save this cherished community space.
Realizing her solitary efforts might not be enough, Alma understands she must reluctantly collaborate with her greatest rival, Luna, and her skateboarding crew to take action against the impending threat.
Adventure/Drama/Family. Czech Republic/Slovenia/Serbia/Croatia, 2024, 79 min. Director: Klemen Dvornik. Starring: Tihomir Stanič, Enis Bešlagić, Ivana Roščićová, Marko Mandić, Kaja Zabretová, Kaja Šuštarová
Trailer of the film Don’t take away our playground! Video: Forum Film
President
For five years, Zuzana Čaputová held the presidency of a Slovakia tormented by crises. A dedicated film crew chronicled her journey, capturing intimate moments even in the most challenging situations where no other cameras dared to tread. The film weaves together personal dramas, confrontations with global dignitaries over pressing issues, and poignant encounters with everyday citizens struggling with ordinary problems.
REVIEW: Five turbulent years of Zuzana Čaputová
Film
This documentary provides an extraordinarily intimate portrayal of a woman striving to infuse empathy and openness into the traditionally male-dominated sphere of high-stakes politics while simultaneously navigating the complexities of motherhood with care for her daughters. Viewers encounter the juxtaposition of Zuzana Čaputová, a figure both beloved and reviled.
Documentary. Slovakia/Czech Republic, 2024, 108 min. Director and script: Marek Šulík
Trailer document PrezidentkaVideo: Aerofilms
Tramps on Cannibal Island
Three adventurous friends—vagabonds Pavel Liška, Jan Révai, and Hynek Bernard—embark on a motorcycle journey through the wilds of Papua New Guinea, one of the planet’s least-explored corners, which has a notorious history of cannibalism among some indigenous tribes until just recently.
Pavel Liška and Jan Révai invite the audience to the island of cannibals
Film
Accompanying them is experienced traveler Miloslav Stingl, who is determined to guide them through this enchanting yet perilous landscape. Alternatively, is he merely a whimsical puppet in their adventure? Deep within the magical jungle, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, they must tread very carefully if they hope to return home unscathed.
Documentary/adventure. Czech Republic, 2024, 99 min. Director: Marek Najbrt. Starring: Pavel Liška, Jan Révai, Hynek Bernard
Trailer of the documentary Hobos on the Island of CannibalsVideo: 38Film
How much disgust can one woman take? This is what the President is all about
Film
REVIEW: War correspondent Martin Dorazín asks questions about the nature and responsibility of his work
Film
What are the key themes explored in the documentary “Re of politics” about Zuzana Čaputová’s leadership?
Re of politics. It chronicles Zuzana Čaputová’s tenure amid widespread social and political turmoil, revealing the human side of leadership in times of crisis. The film captures her determination to confront serious issues like environmental sustainability, social justice, and governance, all while representing a new wave of progressive values in Slovakia.
Documentary. Slovakia, 2024, 102 min. Directed by: Peter Kerekes.
Trailer of the film President Video: Film Europe Media Company
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So, film aficionados, whether you prefer heartwarming animations, high-stakes dramas, or poignant documentaries, this selection promises to keep you entertained and enlightened. Each of these films offers a unique lens, whether through the eyes of a young woman facing family turmoil, a president battling national challenges, or even puffins caught in a storm. Grab your popcorn and settle in; it’s time to explore these cinematic gems together!