‘After Party’ Trailer Released Before Venice Premiere, Sales by Film Republic

The international trailer for Vojtěch Strakatý’s debut feature “After Party” has been released ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons Extra section. Film Republic is handling global sales for the Czech film, which premieres on September 3.

“After Party” centers on the carefree life of 23-year-old Jindřiška. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that her father has accumulated a large amount of debt, leading debt collectors to seize their house. Over the course of a single, tumultuous day, Jindřiška must decide whether to help her father or to save herself.

Paolo Bertolin, a member of the Venice selection committee, commended the film, saying, “I thought this coming-of-age in one day [drama] had a very precise and convincing narrative structure, with a beautiful crescendo served by a discreet but eloquent mise-en-scène and an excellent leading performance. The final result is both fresh and thought-provoking.”

The film stars Eliška Bašusová, Anna Tomanová, and Jan Zadražil. It is produced by Marek Novák of Xova Film, with co-producers Helena Uldrichová of Česká Televize, Jordi Niubó of i/o Post, and Lukáš Moudrý of Studio Beep. Czech distribution will be handled by Aerofilms, which plans a theatrical release in the fall.

In a statement, Strakatý revealed that the story draws from personal experiences involving debts caused by his father, losing property, relocating, family breakdowns, and the loss of security. “The family saga is condensed into 24 hours, encapsulating events that occur over a much larger time frame in real life,” he said. “As the film unfolds seemingly in real time, Jindřiška looks both forward to what is to come and backward to what her life has been up to this point.”

Jindřiška’s journey is also complicated by physical exhaustion after a night out, adding another layer to her struggles. “There are evil forces present in the form of her father and the loan sharks, but the film overall is not meant to give a daunting impression,” Strakatý noted. “The lightness of the narrative and the presence of hope are crucial to me, embodied particularly through the character of Karolína and the energy and unconditional friendship she brings.”

The filmmaker elaborated that the existential drama is contrasted with a seemingly relaxed summer day atmosphere, blending dark and positive tones. “The title ‘After Party’ goes hand in hand with this approach, as the film is framed by two parties which are usually associated with more joyful experiences. The events following each of them are pivotal for Jindřiška’s future life.”