We speak to Artistic Director of the Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia, Ali Back
Along with sitting on the jury for the 10th annual Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia, I was lucky enough to get some time with the festival's current Artistic Director, Ali Back. Ali gave us some insight into this year’s festival and the wonderful journey Czech and Slovak film has had here in Australia.
The theme of the 10th annual CaSFFA is Movement - what was the journey to finding that theme?
There’s a simple reason for choosing the theme. Unlike the two years before it, 2022 was the year we could move out of the home - the first year in three that we could show our festival in theatres again.
The theme also draws inspiration the Czech and Slovak Film Industry - two cinemas that have moved beyond the limits of Covid-19 by producing some of the world’s richest and most unique works. There’s a high degree of support for young, imaginative filmmakers in both countries.
As the Artistic Director you are key to the definition of the festival, how do you go about finding and selecting the films each year?
I check out the film landscape, usually out of Europe. I look at publications, film festivals, critic reviews, and plugins from the national film agencies. After that I can make a handmade selection for what I would like to consider.
What I choose, has to draw inspiration from the theme of the year, but is not limited to it. I am drawn to the movies that show off the rich possibilities of storytelling and that feel fresh and original. To the highest degree, I am interested in bringing titles that vary in genre and will not get a theatrical release in Australia.
Outside of the need to move online during lockdowns, how have you seen the festival change and develop over the past 10 years?
I’m indebted to the Art Directors before me, who have been with CaSFFA for much longer and from the start. I can only speak of what I have noticed over the last two years with the festival.
There is a growing respect for Czech and Slovak cinema in the general public. People, young and old, are becoming familiar with Czechoslakian films that refuse to wither away. They are also watching contemporary films from both countries that make good use of creativity and imagination. In general, I think there is broader respect for this cinema, for the history of it, and what it represents.
What do you want people to take away from the festival?
I want people to feel more engaged with Czech and Slovak Cinema. And I want people to want to return to the theatre again.
What’s a hidden gem or stand out for this year's festival?
Kapr Code is uniquely Czech, and will occupy a very unique space in people’s memory after they have seen it in the theatre.
Would you be so bold as to tell us your favourite of the festival this year? If so, which one and why?
It’s hard to pick a favourite. They’re all wildly different. But, I am especially excited to see the audience react to Adam Ondra: Pushing the Limits.
Any further background to the festival you want to add?
I’d like to give a shout-out to the team. CaSFFA is a volunteer-run festival. A large reason we’re able to celebrate 10 years is because of that team: who are passionate and enthusiastic and put in the work each and every year.
The Czech and Slovak Film Festival 2022 plays in Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide, as well as online, throughout October. Check out the full program and book your tickets using the button below.
