Whoever closely follows the happenings around Mezipatra has certainly
not missed the new trailer for this exceptional 9th annual film
festival. The author is the multicultural Janek Růžička, who with this
work stirred up a passionate discussion on what “his” new trailer
actually means.
It creates so much excitement perhaps because for some, the trailer
doesn’t fit into any “expected” or so-called “normal” categories. Not
just because of that, but primarily due to the admiration of people who
are able to devote their time to a beneficial project, we bring you the
following interview.
Interview: Janek Růžička
Whoever closely follows the happenings around Mezipatra has certainly
not missed the new trailer for this exceptional 9th annual film
festival. The author is the multicultural Janek Růžička, who with this
work stirred up a passionate discussion on what “his” new trailer
actually means.
It creates so much excitement perhaps because for some, the trailer
doesn’t fit into any “expected” or so-called “normal” categories. Not
just because of that, but primarily due to the admiration of people who
are able to devote their time to a beneficial project, we bring you the
following interview.
Why a trailer for Mezipatra? Is there any sense in the festival?
There definitely is sense in the festival because its organizers manage to bring to the Czech lands queer films and television productions which basically most people would never get the chance to see if they aren’t devoted enthusiasts. The films are rare, atypical and original. In addition it is an intelligent way for the queer base to get together in other ways than in gay clubs. And why a trailer? The trailer is a tried and true way to generally promote festivals and enhance their image – and a film festival calls for a audiovisual trailer, doesn’t it?
The edition before last it was rubber duckies, this year wheelchairs and canes. Where do you get your inspiration?
I always react to the theme and basic motives of the festival. The rubber duckies were a symbol of the “children’s” edition in 2005. This year’s festival theme is “SURVIVORS.” It deals with the fates of people who in addition to their queer orientation have overcome essential life fractures, hardships and tragedies. That is why I have addressed truly queer people who, with issues like illness, physical handicaps, HIV positive status, and sex change, have had to and have succeeded in dealing with it. And I made their portraits. If people are expecting to once again have devilish rubber duckies and cute kids, I have to disappoint. We are moving on.
The working theme of this year’s Mezipatra is ‘Heaven, Hell, Paradise’. Did you include this in your trailer?
“Heaven, Hell, Paradise” is my rather more poetic interpretation of the basic theme. It is given metaphorically in the trailer – from the darkness to the light come faces of people who went through personal hell. I just regret that I didn’t manage to persuade some old queer people – they lived through communism and they really had to fight for themselves and we often treat them – if you’ll forgive the word – like retards.
What are the first reactions on your trailer? Has it fulfilled your expectations?
The first reactions were absolutely appropriate to the controversial and radical theme and its elaboration. From disgusted, terrified and uncomprehending to excited. I’m pleased with that. I’m not surprised, I was expecting it and it was actually my intention. I wouldn’t like to generalize the queer world but it has a few characteristics that drive me mad. A lot of us – whether we admit it or not – are often self-centered, touchy and we try to paint the world pink, to put our little problems above the problems of others. We basically want to have fun, look at nice things and people. We whimper about how our world is cruel without realizing that we live in a society that is uncommonly tolerant to us and to our orientation. I’m not saying we have respect – but you don’t get this within just a few years. And each of us has to get it on his own. I think that it would do good to everyone of us to ponder the fates of people who have or have had REAL problems. It really gets my goat when I hear or read reactions like – “A girl in a wheelchair? What does that have in common with US?”
It is said that there will be a longer version for cinema. In what way will it be different?
The TV version which has 30 seconds is basically a teaser – it is not finished, it is just a hint, a provocation, it has it secrets and it will make a lot of people think and react. The version to be played during the course of the festival in cinemas before performances has 50 seconds and will include a symbolic scene of “catharsis” – something as the said “heaven”. It will also have a more joyful and hopeful tone.
How and how long does shooting of a trailer like this take?
We were shooting one afternoon – the time of people, whom I addressed and who performed in the trailer as themselves without the claim of a fee, is dear. The background and production arrangement was provided by the Eallin studio which also makes the queer magazine Q for Czech television. Because the budget for a non-profit festival is always very small and no fees were paid, this year I decided to take care of the camera in addition to the concept, direction and dubbing of the closing information. The music was provided for free by the band WWW, Honza “Pejsek” Truhlář did the editing and Honza Černý graphically finished it.
Are you engaged in any other work of the Mezipatra Film Festival?
It is my forth year cooperating with Mezipatra– in 2005 I shot the trailer and was a juror on the Main Jury and in 2006 I directed the Closing evening and I participated in the formation of the main award from the workshop of a great jeweler Zdeněk Vacek. Last year I created a concept together with Ester Kočičková and took care of the direction of the Opening and Closing evening of the festival. And this year the organizers addressed me with a concept and direction of the trailer. And I will of course help with other things that I’ll be able to create for the festival.
Whoever closely follows the happenings around Mezipatra has certainly
not missed the new trailer for this exceptional 9th annual film
festival. The author is the multicultural Janek Růžička, who with this
work stirred up a passionate discussion on what “his” new trailer
actually means.