Highly acclaimed film made in Ostrava
On 9 May Ostrava’s Cinestar cinema hosted the premiere of the film Isabel, with Petra Lorencová (from the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre) in the title role. The film tells the story of a young and ambitious yet naïve journalist who suddenly finds herself in a perilous situation. At a press conference in Ostrava, the directors Lukáš Melník and Marcel Škrkoň talked about their new film, which takes place on the boundary between the real world and a world of vampires.
Members of the Isabel crew (from left): L. Melník, P. Lorencová, M. Škrkoň, S. Krupanská, F. Strnad. Photo: L. Vidlička
Made with a low budget, this film features a wide range of Ostrava’s top actors, who took no payment for their performances. Besides Petra Lorencová and Lukáš Melník, viewers can also enjoy roles by Renáta Klemensová, Sylvie Krupanská, Robert Urban, František Strnad, two holders of the prestigious Thálie awards (Norbert Lichý and Tereza Dočkalová), the singer Ruda z Ostravy, and even a cameo by Ostrava’s bard Jarek Nohavica (seen briefly in a restaurant). The film was also supported by the City of Ostrava via the FILM OSTRAVA!!! project, which has established itself as an important source of assistance for filmmakers. The makers of Isabel worked in conjunction with the City of Ostrava’s Economic Development Division, which arranged logistical support for filming, including access to locations and arranging necessary formalities. Ostrava is becoming a popular location for filmmakers due to its unique atmosphere and visual style, and has been listed in the CFC’s official register of recommended locations. Isabel will be shown at Cinestar from 9 May onwards.