Slovak filmmakers are set to make a mark at the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival (2– 10 February 2024). Two remarkable short films from Slovakia, Cold and Dark by Peter Hošták and Criss Cross by Nina Rybárová and Tomáš Rybár, have been selected to participate in different competition sections, showcasing the diverse talent emerging from the Slovak film industry.
Cold and Dark: A Glimpse into Rural Slovakia’s Energy Crisis
Peter Hošták’s short documentary, Cold and Dark, takes viewers on a dreamy journey through the life of a draft horse named Kubo and his logging community in rural Slovakia. The film raises awareness about the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, where firewood may soon become the primary source of heat and energy. Through breathtaking visuals and a compelling narrative, Hošták’s work sheds light on the challenges faced by communities relying on traditional methods in the face of modern energy issues. The film competes in the International Competition section, drawing attention to the intersection of environmental concerns, traditional lifestyles, and the broader energy challenges Europe is grappling with.
Criss Cross: An Animated Fable Inspired by Folk Culture
Nina Rybárová and Tomáš Rybár present Criss Cross, a short animated film competing in the Lab Competition. The film explores a story inspired by folk culture, where animal protagonists navigate a world where good values triumph over evil. Criss cross delves into the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the saying “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” making it universally accessible to viewers of all ages and nationalities.
Criss Cross is not only a children’s film with a moral lesson but also an engaging piece for adult audiences. The artistic style, combining animation with cross-stitch embroidery, adds a unique touch to the storytelling, making it visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
Adding to the vibrant representation from Slovakia at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the award-winning short animated documentary Love, Dad by Diana Cam Van Nguyen is set to captivate audiences within the Eur♀Visions section, thematic retrospective dedicated to strong female figures. Directed by an emerging talent, the film tells a poignant story as the protagonist discovers a box containing letters penned by her father years earlier. Love, Dad has already earned acclaim by winning the Festivals Connexion Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Award in 2022, showcasing its excellence and emotional impact on the festival circuit.
Michaela Mihalyi’s Period Drama: An Animated Exploration of Menstrual Realities
Adding a unique perspective to the mix, Michaela Mihalyi’s short animated project Period Drama is set to be pitched at the Euro Connection co-production forum during the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Market (5 – 8 February 2024). Period Drama humorously explores a young protagonist’s nightmarish experience with her first period. The film, composed of four chapters, cleverly references biological events in the menstrual cycle, connecting them like a secret thread.
In a collaborative effort with the Czech Film Center and the Slovenian Film Centre, the Slovak Film Institute is gearing up for its sixth participation in the Short Film Market. This esteemed event serves as a platform where Slovak short films will be presented to film professionals from around the globe, collectively under the umbrella of Central European Cinema.
More info: www.clermont-filmfest.org
