Director Reflects on Difficult Questions Raised During Film Production
Initially, the question felt straightforward. If she learned of a serious developmental issue early in a pregnancy, she likely wouldn’t continue with the pregnancy.
However, during filming, she began to question her stance. She considered how easy it really was to consider an abortion, a sentiment shared by her colleagues. Everyone involved came to the project with their own convictions and parenting experiences.
Trailer for “Dance with the Bear”Video: Bontonfilm
What Was Your Initial Reaction?
When I was expecting my first child, screenings weren’t really on my radar. I simply didn’t consider that anything could be wrong with the baby. I figured we’d manage, no matter what.
With my second child, things changed. He developed sudden health complications after birth that lasted for about a year. It was probably the worst period of my life. I felt helpless, unable to alleviate his suffering. Doctors didn’t offer us an adequate long-term solution.
As a parent, you have no choice but to fight and try to find a path to recovery, which thankfully we did. It was then that I realized how much I admired those who care for a child with far more serious problems. I openly admit that it made me lose the courage to have another child.
Photo: Bontonfilm
The Film Touches on Complex Issues of Abortion
From the beginning of the project, I emphasized that the film isn’t about the legal side of abortion. That’s a completely different question, although personally, I believe that women should have the right to decide about their bodies and lives.
I’m referring to Trump’s policies and the catastrophic situation in Poland. I’m also concerned about the growing influence of the Czech Movement for Life. It’s dangerous, and I think it’s necessary to talk about it, even though our film doesn’t address it.
How Did the Film’s Story Originate?
The idea came from producers at Luminar Film, who met someone with a similar story. Their acquaintance and her husband faced the same problem as the heroes in our film. Despite what doctors said, they paradoxically had a completely healthy baby.
The Film Features Real People with Down Syndrome. Was It Difficult to Work With Them?
Even though we had the children selected in advance, we didn’t know until the last minute what filming with them would be like. We didn’t know how they would react to the cameras or how much we’d be able to film.
I was worried, but it ended up being beautiful. We found that they took the presence of the crew in stride and could be authentic. We slightly adjusted some scenes from the script to build them less unpleasant or depressing for the children.
The biggest child role, Adam, is played by Lukáš Dvořák, and Petra Špalková plays his mother. In most of their scenes together, she’s kind to him, but in one, she scolds him.
I tried to explain to Lukáš that Petra’s anger was just acting, that she still loved him, and his real mother helped us a lot with that. However, Petra played the “tough” scene very realistically. Lukáš couldn’t get over it and was more reserved towards Petra for the rest of the filming.
In Past Interviews, You’ve Said Czech Films Lack Stronger Political Statements. Does the Latest Film Send a Message?
There wasn’t room for political proclamations in “Dance with the Bear.” it’s about coming to terms with your decision and finding hope.
As for politics, I try to engage with it personally. To express my own opinion and support what I believe is right. In today’s world, it’s more significant than ever to speak up, be an active citizen, and not be indifferent to public affairs and the things around us.
Věra Chytilová, Who Wasn’t Afraid to Tackle Social Issues in Her Work, Taught You at FAMU. What Was She Like as an Instructor?
The beginning was difficult. Věra tested everyone, seeing how they reacted, whether they would collapse under criticism, or counter with a witty argument. She’d happily tell someone they were an idiot, without meaning it maliciously. She tried to push students to realize important things.
According to Chytilová, a director is a hunter who must capture as much diverse material and acting situations as possible during filming and always be on alert. Even a mistake during filming can be a benefit in editing, leading to a different, unexpected form. That’s what I love about filmmaking. When things happen exactly as I expect, it gets boring.
Jitka Rudolfová
- Born in Jablonec nad Nisou on October 5, 1979.
- Studied directing at the Miroslav Ondříček Film Academy in Písek and at FAMU in Prague.
- Debuted in 2009 with “Desperados,” a generational statement about the thirty-somethings of the time.
- Also directed the drama “Pleasure,” the fairytale “The Clockmaker’s Apprentice,” and the comedy “Life for Self-Taughts.”
