Pongo Calling

The anatomy of a relationship between an inexperienced high school student and a grown man, a pilot. Their unexpected rapprochement soon runs into the misunderstanding of the family and the initial infatuation is replaced by a gradual cooling.

This cinematic reportage with elements of a personal journal explores xenophobia in Czech society and anti-Nazi activists, but also the filmmaker’s personal experience from living among in an socially excluded Romani neighborhood. Most of the footage was shot by the director using his own camera, and the immediacy of the images is further accentuated by voiceover observations and commentary. In just a few scenes, he adds music for dramatic affect. With his direct questions, he tries to unmask the racist arguments not only of anti-Roma protestors, but also of many ordinary citizens.

How were everyday items made centuries ago? In a new documentary series, the best Czech craftsmen revive period methods to create replicas of historical artifacts. Objects preserved across the gulf of time tell unknown stories about skill, materials, intelligence, taste, technology, but also about the cruelty of our ancestors.