“I felt like a star in Venice. I had no idea how much I would enjoy it there despite my nervousness. I don’t know much about fashion, taking pictures is a pain for me. Suddenly I had borrowed a dress from a designer, expensive jewelry and three ladies came to do my makeup. A ship even came to the airport for us,” she recalls the euphoric moments from the turn of August and September, when she and her crew went to the oldest film show in the world to present the After Party.
Debutant director and screenwriter Vojtěch Strakatý tells the story of twenty-three-year-old Jindřiška, whose world is collapsing day by day. Until then, a carefree college girl who spends her summer vacation hanging out with her friends is faced with a crucial choice. Her parents’ house is suddenly taken over by executors, and the heroine gradually learns how big a mess her dad is involved in. The only way out seems to be for her to become her father’s guarantor.
“Jindřiška comes from a quite different family and from higher circumstances. So I didn’t really come out of myself when portraying her,” notes Eliška. “Vojtěch and I worked on her for six years before filming, so we had thought about the character for a long time. What helped me most when playing was to lean on her relationships with the other characters – especially her father and her best friend.”
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According to the latest statistics, less than eight percent of Czechs, i.e. around eight hundred thousand citizens, are in foreclosure. Among them was the filmmaker’s relative, whose experience Vojtěch Strakatý knew first-hand, so to speak. During the preparation of the task, Eliška was not very interested in practical information, i.e. how the debtors should proceed, but above all in Vojtěch’s inner experiences – a feeling of shock, hopelessness and essentially losing his home…
The original script was significantly different. The story was supposed to be set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, when after an ecological disaster the Earth is almost unbreathable and people have to wear dust masks outside. But covid came and what Vojtěch portrayed as pure science fiction became a terrifying reality within a few weeks. He therefore decided to move from an environmentally sound film to a civil drama genre.
Photo: Aerofilms
In the drama After Party, the twenty-three-year-old protagonist Jindřiška solves family problems. Pictured with fellow actress Anna Tomanová
Complete shutdown of the organism
“The pace of the film is slow, natural, the story is in no hurry. We filmed the scenes chronologically, and all that made it easier for me to get used to the heroine. Still, the weight of her situation weighed on me. Emotionally, I always ended up in the same mire as in the previous shot, and it used to be difficult to get out of it quickly,” says the actress.
The time frame of the story is only twenty-four hours, and the protagonist has a hangover the whole time. Eliška didn’t even have to struggle so much in this direction, as she struggled with a lack of sleep during the fortnight of filming. She also neglected breaks for rest or refreshments, which backfired on her at the end of filming.
“On the last day I had to climb into the cold pond, it was already the end of September. My body suddenly completely shut down and I couldn’t continue. The shoot had to be canceled because of this, the crew gave me two days to recover. I went on drips, where the doctors poured all kinds of vitamins and minerals into me. That got me back on my feet,” he describes.
At the premiere screening in Venice, where she saw the film on the big screen for the first time, she felt psychological exhaustion from the disgust and evil that accumulate in it in an hour and a half. She also noticed the reaction of the audience there, which from her point of view was brooding and a bit like under a heavy blanket.
I got lazy during the filming of Street. With the film, I understood how much work still awaits me.
“Those we spoke to during the discussion after the screening, however, evaluated the After Party positively. In the following days, even the audience, especially the older generation, stopped us on the street and said that they liked it a lot. I hope they take away from the film the feeling that it can always be better. Even if sometimes it seems that you can’t dig yourself out of the bottom, in the end someone can pull you out,” he says to those who can see the film in Czech cinemas from mid-November.
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The balance between art and money
Cooperation with Vojtěch Strakatý changed Eliška internally and gave her courage. After filming, she decided to say goodbye to some long-standing projects – first with the TV series Ulice, where she represented the student and photographer Barbora Klímová in a number of episodes.
“As a freelance theater actress, Ulice kept me financially comfortable. However, I did not plan to be in it for so long and I have become quite lazy in the past time. With the film, I understood how much work still awaits me and how much I want to continue learning,” notes Eliška, who has been performing in various performances of the Kašpar association at the Theater in Celetná for over ten years, for example in the productions Rok na vsi or Cyrano.
Now he is trying to go in an even less profitable and more artistic direction. In short, finding a balance between what will advance her professionally and what, in popular terms, will pay her bills. She has support in her biologist husband Kryštof Bašus, with whom she manages to combine work and household time. Together, they are raising today’s three-year-old Vendelín.
His grandfather is the actor Miroslav Hanuš, who has been on many stages and today performs, for example, in Prague’s Studio DVA or the Švandov Theater. He also made a name for himself in film and television, for example, he had significant roles in the films Nevinnost and Nikdy nejsme sami. Vendelín’s grandmother is Jana Hanušová, who danced in Forman’s Amadeo. She was also engaged in the Czechoslovak Television Ballet and worked as a choreographer with a number of stages and film crews.
Photo: TV Nova
The endless series Ulice provided her financial background for many years.
“My sisters and I practically grew up in the theater. When our parents didn’t have babysitting for us, we spent our free time behind the scenes. This directed us to art, but we are only fully involved in two of the three. There would be too many actresses,” Eliška mentions her older sister Alžběta, who is a teacher at a grammar school, and the younger Jindřiška, with whom she shares an acting profession. Eliška was engaged in gymnastics from an early age, to which she gradually added ballet and dancing. However, she did not think of going to DAMU until after graduating from high school, when she signed up for alternative and puppet acting. She also considered studying Czech for the deaf at the Faculty of Philosophy. But before she received the date of admissions, she had already been accepted to the academy she preferred.
Dark Dad from Shadows in the Mist
Father did not discourage Eliška from acting, he said he wanted to give her, like Jindřiška, at least the opportunity to try it.
“My sister and I later agreed on how naive we were about acting before DAMU. The competition is huge and the chances of getting ahead are low. Since childhood, however, I have watched my parents adore the work, they literally blossomed in it. That convinced me to stay with her,” he adds.
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On the subject of acting and theater, Eliška, Miroslav and Jindřiška engage in passionate debates for hours at the Hanuš family’s home, which are said to be “probably quite annoying” for the other relatives. However, they support each other with the whole family and go to see each other in the theater.
Miroslav’s favorite role through the eyes of the middle daughter? After asking the question, he thinks for a long time before answering somewhat diplomatically that they are probably all like that. “However, I didn’t recognize my dad as a person at all in one, and that was in the crime series Shadows in the Fog. I know him through and through, but I have never seen him so dark in my life. He really scared me in some scenes,” he admits.
Miroslav advises the second daughter mainly with practical matters and orientation in the artistic environment rather than with the approach to acting itself. But, of course, he also comes to an upheaval. In the past, they played together in the comedy play Smolíkovi in Studio DVA.
Eliška’s father even directed the production of Happy Easter at the Palace Theater in Prague. “It’s been great every time. He can explain everything well, has a clear vision, and at the same time gives space to the actors. We left personal things at home and remained professional,” he boasts.
Photo: Alena Hrbková
Her father Miroslav Hanuš directed her in the play Happy Easter on the boards of the Palace Theatre.
To whales or Broadway
In terms of movement, Eliška went “crazy” again. She is not only a good dancer, but also a snowboarder and acrobat. For several years she was a member of the new circus group Chůdadlo. With the troupe, she learned pair acrobatics, vertical climbing on shawls or spinning rings of fire. However, the collaboration required time-consuming training, so Eliška eventually left the group.
I watched my parents adore acting, they blossomed in it. That made me stay with him.
Next year, the premiere of her next film, On the Other Side of Summer, which she shot again with Vojtěch Strakatý, should take place. It will be the story of four girls who go to a cottage near a dam during the holidays. Two younger characters, who are around fifteen, want to experience a teenage adventure – go to parties and meet boys.
“I play the older sister of one of them. The kind of horseradish that is in charge of them. Summer is slow and boring until the heroines find a pool on the island at that dam that acts as a portal. He can teleport them anywhere they want,” he explains.
Where would she relocate herself if she had the chance? “It would definitely be a place by the sea. Since I hate flying from the bottom of my heart, a teleporter would make it much easier for me to realize my dream trips. In no time, I would go whale-watching to the Azores, visit famous shows on Broadway… Or I would jump off to try various Asian specialties,” concludes Eliška Bašusová.
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(The article is introduced by Jimmy Carr, with his signature dark humor)
Jimmy Carr: “Welcome to the most thrilling article you’ll read all week, folks! And by thrilling, I mean it’s about a Czech actress, Eliška Bašusová, who’s trying to make it big in the world of cinema. Spoiler alert: she’s not a Kardashian. But hey, who are we to judge? Let’s dive in and find out more about this talented lass.”
(The article is then presented in a mock documentary style, with Rowan Atkinson’s signature wit and awkwardness)
Rowan Atkinson (in a silly voice): “Okay, let’s start with the basics. Eliška Bašusová, a Czech actress, has been in the business for a bit, but not too long, or she’d be a household name by now. She’s been in a few films, including ‘After Party’, which premiered in Venice. Ah, Venice! The city of love, canals, and dodgy gondoliers trying to rip you off. (chuckles) Sorry, sorry, moving on!”
(Ricky Gervais takes over, with his distinctive satire and sarcasm)
Ricky Gervais: “Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘What’s this film about, then?’ Well, it’s a drama about a young woman, Jindřiška, whose life is falling apart, and not just because of her dad’s dodgy financial dealings. Although, let’s be real, that’s a pretty good reason to have a meltdown. I mean, who among us hasn’t had to deal with a dodgy dad at some point? (winks) Ah, the struggles of being a child of a questionable parent!”
(Lee Evans takes over, bringing his signature observations and humor)
Lee Evans: “You know what’s interesting about this article? Eliška Bašusová comes from a family of artists. Her dad, Miroslav Hanuš, is an actor, and her sister, Jindřiška, is also in the business. So, you could say they’re a bit of an acting dynasty. Although, I’m sure there’s some spectacular arguments around the dinner table about who’s the most talented. ‘I’m the star of the family, Dad!’ ‘No, no, I’m the one who’s been in the business longer!’ It’s like the Osbournes, but without the bit where they actually make music.”
(The article is then read in a mock BBC News style, with all four comedians taking turns)
Jimmy Carr: “Eliška Bašusová has a new film coming out next year, called ‘On the Other Side of Summer’, which is about four girls who find a portal to anywhere they want. Because, you know, that’s exactly what you want when you’re 15 – a portal to escape your parents and go to parties without them knowing. (laughs) I mean, I’d have used it to go to the pub and get a pint when I was that age!”
Rowan Atkinson: “Yes, and apparently, Eliška’s character is the responsible one, looking after the younger girls. Ah, nice to see someone from the Bašusová family is sensible, for a change!”
Ricky Gervais: “But wait, it gets better! Eliška’s also been involved in some… interesting projects. She was part of a new circus group, Chůdadlo, where she learned pair acrobatics and spinning rings of fire. That’s quite a skillset, if you ask me. ‘Hey, I can do flips and also act – who needs a proper job?'”
Lee Evans: “And to end, Eliška’s dream is to go whale-watching in the Azores and visit Broadway shows. Ah, the classic ‘I’m a struggling actress, but I love whales and old-timey musicals’ vibe. Well, good luck to her, I say. She’ll need it, with that attitude!”
(The article ends with all four comedians bantering and joking with each other)
Jimmy Carr: “Well, that’s Eliška Bašusová for you – talented, artistic, and potentially delusional. Tune in next time for more on the absurd world of celebrity news!”
Rowan Atkinson: “And if you’re Eliška Bašusová, and you’re reading this, don’t worry – we’re just having a laugh at your expense. It’s all in good fun… unless you’re actually a portal to another dimension, in which case, hello from the other side!”
Ricky Gervais: “Or unless you’re secretly a Kardashian, in which case, we’re sorry, but we’ll still make fun of you.”
Lee Evans: “Nah, I think she’s alright, guys. She’s got spirit. And if all else fails, she can always join our circus and spin rings of fire.”
(The article ends with the four comedians laughing and teasing each other)
Here is the rewritten article with added details and unique content:
Venice Film Festival: A Dream Come True
Eliška Bašusová still remembers the euphoric moments from the turn of August and September when she and her crew went to the oldest film show in the world to present their latest film, After Party. "I felt like a star in Venice," she recalls, beaming with pride. "I had no idea how much I would enjoy it there despite my initial nervousness." The actress had borrowed a stunning dress from a renowned designer, adorned herself with expensive jewelry, and had three ladies to do her makeup. To top it all off, a luxurious ship even came to the airport to pick them up.
From College Girl to Family Savior
In the drama After Party, Eliška plays the role of Jindřiška, a 23-year-old college girl whose world is turned upside down when her parents’ house is suddenly taken over by executors. As Jindřiška navigates this crisis, she must come to terms with her father’s involvement in a financial mess and decide whether to become his guarantor. Debutant director and screenwriter Vojtěch Strakatý masterfully weaves a story of family, loyalty, and the struggles of growing up.
Six Years in the Making
Eliška and Vojtěch worked on Jindřiška’s character for six years before filming began. "I didn’t really come out of myself when portraying her," notes Eliška. "Vojtěch and I had thought about the character for a long time, and what helped me most was leaning on her relationships with the other characters – especially her father and best friend." This extensive preparation paid off, as Eliška’s performance brings depth and nuance to the film.
A Personal Connection to the Story
Vojtěch Strakatý’s inspiration for the film came from a personal experience – a relative of his had gone through a similar financial crisis. Eliška was fascinated by Vojtěch’s inner experiences during that time and drew from them to inform her performance. "I wasn’t very interested in the practical information, but more in Vojtěch’s emotional state – the feeling of shock, hopelessness, and losing one’s home."
From Post-Apocalyptic to Civil Drama
Interestingly, the original script for After Party was set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, where an ecological disaster had made the Earth almost unbreathable. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting during production, Vojtěch decided to pivot and explore a more civil drama genre. This change of direction allowed the film to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
The Challenges of Filming
Eliška recalls the challenges of filming, particularly the slow pace and naturalistic storytelling. "We filmed the scenes chronologically, and all that made it easier for me to get used to the heroine. Still, the weight of her situation weighed on me. Emotionally, I always ended up in the same mire as in the previous shot, and it used to be difficult to get out of it quickly." She also struggled with lack of sleep during the fortnight of filming, neglecting breaks for rest or refreshments.
A Breakdown on Set
The physical and emotional toll of filming caught up with Eliška on the last day of shooting. "My body suddenly completely shut down, and I couldn’t continue. The shoot had to be canceled because of this, and the crew gave me two days to recover. I went on drips, where the doctors poured all kinds of vitamins and minerals into me. That got me back on my feet." This experience taught her the importance of self-care and prioritizing her well-being.
Venice Premiere and Audience Reaction
At the premiere screening in Venice, Eliška felt a mix of emotions as she watched the film on the big screen for the first time. She noticed the audience’s brooding reaction, which she describes as being "under a heavy blanket." However, the discussions that followed were positive, with many audience members expressing their appreciation for the film. Eliška hopes that viewers take away a sense of hope and resilience from the story.
Finding Balance Between Art and Money
Eliška’s collaboration with Vojtěch Strakatý changed her internally and gave her the courage to pursue more artistic projects. She decided to leave the long-running TV series Ulice, where she played the role of Barbora Klímová, to focus on more fulfilling work. "As a freelance theater actress, Ulice kept me financially comfortable. However, I did not plan to be in it for so long, and I have become quite lazy in the past time. With the film, I understood how much work still awaits me and how much I want to continue learning."
A Family Legacy of Art
Eliška comes from a family of artists – her father, Miroslav Hanuš, is a renowned actor, and her sister, Jindřiška, is also an actress. Growing up, Eliška spent countless hours backstage, watching her parents perform. This exposure to the arts sparked her passion for acting, and she eventually enrolled in the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
Upcoming Projects and Dreams
Next year, Eliška will premiere her new film, On the Other Side of Summer, directed by Vojtěch Strakatý. The story follows four girls who embark on a summer adventure, only to discover a mysterious portal that can transport them anywhere. Eliška plays the role of an older sister who becomes the guardian of her younger companions. If she could teleport anywhere, she would choose a seaside destination, perhaps to go whale-watching in the Azores or catch a Broadway show.
