29-01-2009

Slovakia's Soul at Peace aims for Berlinale

By Jana Kadlecova
    Soul at Peace (Pokoj v dusi) the second Slovak film of 2009, was released in Slovak cinemas on January 29.

    The film by Slovak director Vlado Balko is set in contemporary central Slovakia, where the paths of three men's lives cross. Producer Jan Kovacik, founder of Forza production house (www.forza.sk) and producer of Artfilm Trencin-Trencianski Teplice festival, told FNE "I read the screenplay of Soul at Peace, written by Jiri Krizan, and since then I wanted to support the film." Kovacik shares author's credit with Krizan.

    "The budget was €1.6 million, with €100,000 in support from the Slovak Ministry of Culture," executive producer Veronik Skorepova confirmed to FNE. Slovak public broadcaster STV is co-producer.

    The foreign premiere is likely to take place at the European Film Market at the Berlinale. Traditionally, Czech distribution follows soon after the Slovak premiere. "But," Skorepova said, "before the Czech premiere we aim to present it at one of the international festivals.