ELFilm

Colour, 35 mm
Czech Republic, 2002, 21 min
Section: Czech Films

Synopsis

This “minimalist portrait of maximal love” is partly a playful pseudo-drama cutting across genres, and partly an original autobiographical statement. Simply arranged photos from a family album combined with sober acted sequences; strong commentary and subjective camerawork (the protagonist is never directly seen) – these are the elements creating a balanced, naturally unfolding, intimate and at the same time humorous portrait of a certain phase in the life of a young filmmaker and his great love. Despite its low budget and fast shooting schedule, the result is a mature and original work awarded at many festivals. Much of the credit should go to the excellent technical treatment, the music and to Jakub Voves’ deft editing. The director’s mother is well-known documentarist Olga Sommerová and she also cooperated on the film (though she was credited as Olgica Spata). The movie was awarded at the 2001 FAMU (Prague Film Academy) festival, the 2002 Olomouc Film Academy festival and last year at Karlovy Vary (Special Award for a student film).

About the director

Jakub Sommer (b. 1976, Prague) is studying documentary filmmaking at Prague’s Film Academy (FAMU). He has already received twelve awards for his films at domestic and international festivals. Two other films were screened in past years at Karlovy Vary: Life at a Cemetery (1997) and Homo Sapiens 2000 (1999). ELFilm is his first drama. Since it was put into distrivbution in May 2003, ELFilm has been shown together with the film In the Mood for Love, directed by Wong Kar-wai.