In communist Czechoslovakia in 1980, Mara dreams of leaving her village to study in the city and become a pilot. But her father, a widowed Ruthenian farmer, insists she stay and work the land. When her village faces destruction due to a new dam, their generational conflict intensifies, revealing the struggle between tradition, identity, and the desire for freedom in a context of historical change.
Cinematography
The drowned-valley landscapes ache with foreboding
Acting
Chripáková's wordless resistance speaks volumes
Direction
Gonda lets dread accumulate like rising water
Director
Martin Gonda
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ruthenian identity was systematically suppressed under Czechoslovak communist policy; the dam plot mirrors real forced resettlements of ethnic minorities.
The 10.0 rating with 2 votes suggests festival premiere buzz—this likely played Berlin or Karlovy Vary before wider release.
CZ
SK
