Pepik the Czech Goes to Poland In a Quest for Love of God
In the middle of Europe, two nations coexist side by side, close to one another in many ways and yet worlds apart. The Czechs are dedicated atheists, while the Poles are born as baptized Catholics. Czechs shake their heads in disbelief at Polish piety, while Poles hold Czechs in contempt for living without God. A Czech documentary crew sets out on a summertime pilgrimage across Poland in order to investigate through the camera the concrete situation regarding the notion of Czech atheism vs. Polish religion.
Rojava, my love
The film follows Miroslav and Markéta Všelichovi, who met in the Kurdish autonomous region of Rojava. Miroslav joined the Kurdish YPG militia in the fight against ISIS, while Markéta worked there as a humanitarian volunteer. They became a couple and were later arrested in Turkey and imprisoned for their involvement with the Kurdish forces.
After their release and return to Czechia, they try to rebuild their lives. They start a family and search for stability they never had. Though grateful for their daughters, they carry psychological scars from prison. Mirek endured solitary confinement, and unresolved questions about responsibility for their arrest create tension between them.
Five years later, they live in a damaged house in northern Bohemia, slowly rebuilding it. The endless work consumes their time and replaces the ideals that once defined them. Mirek considers returning to military life, longing for purpose and recognition. Markéta dreams of humanitarian work but remains grounded in motherhood.
Memories of Rojava persist as a place where they felt respected and connected. In Czechia they often feel misunderstood. They travel to Iraq hoping to reach Rojava, only to realize that even if they return, it can no longer be their future. The film closely observes their struggle to accept the loss of a place that shaped their love and sense of belonging.
After their release and return to Czechia, they try to rebuild their lives. They start a family and search for stability they never had. Though grateful for their daughters, they carry psychological scars from prison. Mirek endured solitary confinement, and unresolved questions about responsibility for their arrest create tension between them.
Five years later, they live in a damaged house in northern Bohemia, slowly rebuilding it. The endless work consumes their time and replaces the ideals that once defined them. Mirek considers returning to military life, longing for purpose and recognition. Markéta dreams of humanitarian work but remains grounded in motherhood.
Memories of Rojava persist as a place where they felt respected and connected. In Czechia they often feel misunderstood. They travel to Iraq hoping to reach Rojava, only to realize that even if they return, it can no longer be their future. The film closely observes their struggle to accept the loss of a place that shaped their love and sense of belonging.