Archive of films Bells of Happiness / Zvonky šťastia

Slovak Republic
2012, 62 min

Section: 2012: A Musical Odyssey
Year: 2012

A Slovak Romany settlement is home to two people who dream daily of becoming Karel Gott and Dara Rolins. The pair decide to send their idols a message. The international premiere of a story in which poverty collides with stardom.

Synopsis

A hit pop song familiar to just about everyone who lived in pre-1992 Czechoslovakia is the subject of a prank meant to be as serious as life itself. Directing duo Marek Šulík and Jana Bučková travelled to a segregated Slovak Romany settlement to film two people who dream daily of becoming Karel Gott and Dara Rolins. For Mariena and her cousin Roman, these showbiz stars are demigods inhabiting realms where affluence and contentment are a natural part of life. "This is a story about games, illusions, and the ability to survive,” says director Jana Bučková. The film outlines the sharp contrast between the world of poverty and segregation, and the world of celebrities and model media icons. This isn’t the first time in a Romany settlement for Marek Šulík and Jana Bučková: Bells of Happiness was preceded by Cigarettes and Songs, a documentary about the making of an album which involved the participation of Romanies and ethnic Slovaks.

About the director

Marek Šulík (b. 1974), documentarist and editor, graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, studied under Dušan Hanák. He focuses on social themes in his documentaries, and his work also involves collaboration with non-profit organisations (Media 3, Návrat, IVO, Občan a demokracia). Selected filmography: The Bee-Keeper’s Year (1996), Everything Was Different Back Then (1998), Unwanted Children (1999), What’s Your View on NATO? (2002), Seven Magical Years (2005), Magdaléna Robinson’s Journey (2008), Cigarettes and Songs (with Jana Bučková, 2010). Jana Bučková (b. 1981), studied acting at Prague’s Academy of Performing Arts and documentary film at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. Her films include Mama Who Bore Me (2010), Cigarettes and Songs (with Marek Šulík, 2010).

Contacts

Marek Šulík
, , Vištuk
Slovakia
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.rodinnearchivy.sk

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About the film

Color, DIGIBETA
International premiere

Section:	2012: A Musical Odyssey

Director:	Marek Šulík, Jana Bučka
Screenplay:	Jana Bučková, Marek Šulík
Dir. of Photography:	Štefan Bučka
Editor:	Peter Kotrha
Producer:	Jana Belišová, Pavel Pekarčík
Production:	Žudro
Cast:	Mariena Mirgová, Roman Lacko, Adriana Lacková, Miro Čonka a obyvatelé osady Víťaz – Dolina / and inhabitants of the Víťaz – Dolina settlement
Contact:	Marek Šulík

Guests

Jana Bučka

Film Director

Pavel Klusák

Freelance journalist