Cannes Premiere ‘Caravan' Sparks Push for ‘More Open,' ‘Attentive,' ‘Inclusive' Society for Czechs With Disabilities
A deeply personal and emotional story inspired by her own experiences raising a son with an intellectual disability, the film's Riviera premiere struck a chord in the Czech Republic — and also sparked a broader conversation around accessibility and visibility for people with disabilities. 'My main aim was to make a film,' Kirchnerová tells Variety. 'I didn't aim to change the system.'
More from Variety
Despite Big Wins at Festivals, Female Crew Members Are Still Underrepresented in French Film Industry, Study Says
'Brand New Landscape' Review: An Architect Has No Design for Family Life in a Quietly Affecting Japanese Drama
'A Magnificent Life' Review: A Treat for Marcel Pagnol Fans, Sylvain Chomet's Animated Biopic Seems Unlikely to Win Over the Uninitiated
'Caravan' follows Ester (Anna Geislerová), a woman in her forties who is emotionally and physically worn out after years of sole caregiving for a son with autism and Down syndrome. Overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, she steals an aging caravan and sets off on a road trip across southern Italy with her son David (David Vodstrčil) by her side, embarking together on a life-altering journey.
The film — the first majority Czech production to play in the Cannes festival's official selection in more than 30 years — marked an emotional bookend to Kirchnerová's last trip to the Croisette, where her graduation short film 'Bába' won the top prize in Cannes' Cinéfondation in 2009.
Speaking to Variety a day after returning to her home in Prague, the director opened up about the difficult balancing act for a single mother raising a child with disabilities while also pursuing a career in film. 'When my son was born, I was told that I would ruin my life if I don't abandon him, or that I would never film again,' she says.
Kirchnerová concedes 'it has been a difficult journey,' though she recalls the triumphant moment when her 'Caravan' star, Vodstrčil — an actor with Down syndrome — took her by the arm to accompany her up the stairs of Cannes' Lumière Theater. 'I was in a trance,' she says, comparing the dapper, black tie-clad leading man to James Bond. The tears didn't arrive until later that night.
Kirchnerová and producer Dagmar Sedláčková are now launching a campaign in the Czech Republic to raise awareness for people with disabilities, centered on her film. 'I really hope that this will help to change the life of my son, but also of other disabled people,' the director says, adding that she wants to urge others 'to try and be more open and attentive and inclusive.'
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Helen Mirren turns 80: Celebrating the remarkable career of the 'Queen of British acting royalty'
Dame Helen Mirren knows a thing or two about wearing a crown. Over her six-decade career, she graced our stages and screens with her regal portrayals of powerful, complex women, from Cleopatra to Elizabeth II and Catherine the Great of Russia. She is also the only actor to have portrayed both Queens Elizabeth on screen. Helen Mirren turns 80 this Saturday. For her milestone birthday, Euronews Culture looks back at the memorable roles of a British acting royalty. Helen Mirren was born lyena Lydia Mironov in London in 1945, to a Russian-born father and Scottish mother. The family chose to anglicise their surname to Mirren in the early 1950s. She began her career on stage, joining Britain's National Youth Theatre at 18. There, she distinguished herself playing the Queen of Egypt in 'Antony and Cleopatra', a role she reprised in 1998 opposite Alan Rickman at the National Theatre. A year later, she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she remained for 15 years. From the stage to the screen Mirren got her first major film role in Michael Powell's 1969 romantic comedy-drama The Age of Consent. She later gained further recognition for her parts as an emperor's wife in the 1979 erotic drama Caligula, a gangster's girlfriend in The Long Good Friday and Morgana le Fay in Excalibur. She earned her first Academy Award nomination for her role as Queen Charlotte in the 1994 film The Madness of King George. The actor married American director Taylor Hackford in 1997, 22 years after they met on the set of his musical drama White Nights. It was not until the early 2000s that Helen Mirren truly reached global stardom. She captured the public's hearts and minds with her leading role in British police TV series Prime Suspect. During her 15 years as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, Mirren created 'the template for complex and compelling on-screen female characters in every genre', the Guardian wrote in 2020. With success came always more honours and accolades. She won three BAFTA TV awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards for her part in Prime Suspect. Queen Elizabeth II made her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003. Three years later, Mirren stepped into the shoes of the United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch in Stephen Frears' drama The Queen. Her nuanced portrayal of the sovereign in the weeks following Princess Diana's death won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Defying stereotypes Helen Mirren has earned a reputation for her elegance and wildness. Often described as a sex symbol in her youth, she said she never applied the label to herself. In recent years, she has defied stereotypes against older women, becoming the face of L'Oréal at 69 years old in 2014. Mirren has also publicly embraced feminism. 'When I was growing up, it was thought to be unbelievably sluttish to even have a bra strap showing. Everything was about women conforming', she told the Telegraph in 2016. 'I love shameless women. Shameless and proud!' Unafraid of challenges, she kept on pursuing diverse, sometimes unexpected roles. She was Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in the 2023 film Golda, a ruthless crime boss in TV series Mobland, and even Kendrick Lamar's therapist in his 2022 'Count Me Out' music video. Happy Birthday Helen Mirren!
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
5 Pro Tips for Streaming on Twitch to Reach the Next Level
If you want to stream on Twitch, you should first keep in mind some basic rules that everyone should internalize. Once you've started, you should soon consider how to reach the next level. TECHBOOK has five pro tips that we follow ourselves and that help increase your reach and, consequently, your success. Streaming on Twitch with 5 Pro Tips The right equipment is purchased and set up, and the appropriate game is chosen. The goal is also clearly defined: Either you want to stream on Twitch just for fun, or you want to be successful and be noticed by as many viewers as possible. If you're aiming for the latter, you can't ignore the following five tips. Consistency is Key Streaming on Twitch is one thing, but how are fans supposed to know when you're live again? Create a fixed streaming schedule and communicate it clearly. Viewers highly value reliability, which increases the likelihood that they will return. Engage with Your Community Engage in dialogue with your audience, answer questions, and thank them for subscriptions, donations, or new followers. An active community is the heart of a successful channel and should be carefully maintained. Uniqueness and Branding When streaming on Twitch, what sets you apart from others? Develop a personal trademark–whether through humor, special skills, or a striking overlay design. Your stream should have a high recognition value. Also of interest: How to Become an eSports Player? Networking and Collaborations Connect with other streamers. Guest appearances or joint streams are an effective way to gain new viewers. You can make new contacts through direct messages or comments during other live streams. Long-term Planning and Flexibility Set realistic goals and respond flexibly to new trends. And even though this is primarily about streaming on Twitch, other platforms like YouTube or TikTok can significantly boost your reach. If you have the capacity, it doesn't hurt to build additional channels and platforms that contribute to your brand and help attract new fans to Twitch from alternative sources. The post 5 Pro Tips for Streaming on Twitch to Reach the Next Level appeared first on TECHBOOK.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
☕️🥐 FC Ptit Dej: Bellingham double stuns, Domino's mocks Man United
Stunning Lookalike for Bellingham 🤯 A few days after Modric's lookalike was found in Slovakia, it's Jude Bellingham's turn to find his twin in the person of Dani Castilla. Coincidentally, the Spaniard is also an athlete of high caliber. In fact, in his Instagram comments, many users are amazed at the resemblance between the two men. Legendary Number for Gyökeres 🤩 Soon to be officially announced as Arsenal's new signing, Victor Gyökeres will inherit a legendary number according to The Athletic. Indeed, the Swedish striker is expected to take on the mythical number 14 of Thierry Henry. Domino's Pizza Throws Shade 😭 As Alexander Isak is at the center of all rumors after requesting his transfer from Newcastle, the entire internet is wondering where he will play next year... including Domino's Pizza. The famous pizza chain even took the opportunity to throw a jab directly at Manchester United by tweeting "Will Isak go to United or will he sign for a big club?". Ouch. PSG Sells an Unusual Item 😯 Paris Saint-Germain has officially put up for sale... pieces of the nets from the Champions League final. Arranged in a frame with photos from the match, the item is sold for €240. Yesterday's Must-See Highlights 🍿 - The opening date for the Ligue 1+ subscription campaign is known - Yesterday's transfer roundup - Koundé has decided his future, announcement imminent This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. 📸 Alex Livesey - 2024 Getty Images
