Key Facts
Slovak director Ivan Ostrochovský is developing a US remake of his latest drama Only Beautiful Things to Look At, which premiered at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The original film addresses the forced sterilization of Romani women in former Czechoslovakia during the 1980s, a practice that continued into the 2000s. The US version will shift focus to the forced sterilization of Native American women on Navajo Nation land in New Mexico.
Details of the Film
The story centers on a doctor, played by Czech star Aňa Geislerová, who undergoes a moral transformation as she confronts the unethical sterilizations. Ostrochovský co-wrote the script with Marek Leščák. The film aims to spark dialogue in Slovakia, where the government has issued only one official apology and resisted compensation for victims.
Ostrochovský and his team consulted with doctors involved in the sterilizations. Many claimed they believed they were helping women living in poverty with many children. The director noted, “When you have all these logical, rational arguments, you can forget about what’s moral.”
US Remake and Navajo Nation
Producer Katarína Tomková, a regular collaborator, enrolled in the Global Media Makers Residency with Film Independent to develop the US remake. Research and location scouting have already taken place on Navajo Nation land. Between the 1970s and 1980s, the birth rate among Native Americans declined by an estimated 60%, and approximately 40% of Native American women are believed to have been subjected to forced sterilization.
Feedback from the Navajo community emphasized that they do not want another film portraying them as victims. Instead, they seek a collaborative approach to start a dialogue. Ostrochovský is adapting the story to fit the local context while respecting this perspective.
Visual Style and Accessibility
Despite the heavy subject, Ostrochovský aimed to make the film visually appealing, drawing inspiration from nature documentaries and macro shots of insects and animals. He explained, “This film is a study of human behavior,” and wanted to avoid creating “another depressing Eastern European movie.” The pleasant visuals serve as a metaphor for the so-called “nice life,” which means different things to different people.
The casting of Aňa Geislerová was strategic to attract a wider audience. Ostrochovský noted that few actors can convincingly share the screen with non-professional actors without overshadowing them, and Geislerová is one of them.
What Readers Should Know
- The original film is set in 1980s Czechoslovakia and focuses on forced sterilization of Romani women.
- The US remake will address forced sterilization of Native American women on Navajo Nation land.
- Director Ostrochovský hopes the film will encourage conversations about historical injustices in Slovakia and the US.
- The film features a strong cast including Aňa Geislerová and uses visually creative cinematography.
FAQ
What is the film 'Only Beautiful Things to Look At' about?
The film is set in 1980s Czechoslovakia and follows a doctor who begins to question the forced sterilization of Romani women. It highlights a dark chapter in history where such procedures were carried out under the guise of social policy.
Why is a US remake being planned?
The US remake will adapt the story to the context of forced sterilization of Native American women on Navajo Nation land in New Mexico, where similar practices occurred between the 1970s and 1980s.
Who is starring in the original film?
The lead role is played by renowned Czech actress Aňa Geislerová, alongside Simona Boledovičová, Eva Mores, Vlad Ivanov, Éva Bandor, and Attila Mokos.