What is life like in the Czech Republic? What should foreigners know about a country in the heart of Europe before they decide to find a new home here? They will learn all about it in “Next Stop”, an updated instructional film that offers newcomers a basic overview of the Czech Republic. All that in a clear, understandable, and entertaining way. How does one make such a film? We asked the director Miroslav Ondruš.
How challenging was the filming of "Next Stop"?
Every film shoot has its specifics, and it was no different with "Next Stop". We had three different foreigners in the main roles, needed sunny weather, and had to move around Prague. Fortunately, the weather worked in our favor, even though a cold front followed, and it got almost twenty degrees colder. The foreigners performing were not professional actors, so a big thanks goes to Majdulin and Blanka from Slovo 21, who found people who performed excellently on camera. That is essential for a director.
So it was challenging in terms of organization as well…
The hardest part was the transitions when you have to unpack all the equipment from the car, carry it to the location, set it up, and then pack it back up, carry it to the car, and move to the next location, where you do it all over again. That's why it's important to choose the right film equipment that is suitable for so many moves.
Did you personally learn anything new about the lives of foreigners in the Czech Republic during the filming?
I have lived and worked in a foreign country in the past, so I know how hard it is to start somewhere new. That makes me appreciate the foreigners who have come to the Czech Republic, found work, and adapted even more. All the foreigners I've met over the years through Slovo 21's projects agree that learning Czech is very important. And I've never met anyone who spoke badly about the Czech Republic or didn't like it here. This only confirms what a great country we live in and how well we have it.
You've already hinted at it – you've been collaborating with Slovo 21 for a long time. What makes our organization close to you?
Jelena Silajdžić, Slovo 21's director approached me about thirteen years ago, about filming the original version of "Next Stop," and even back then, it was a very pleasant collaboration. Slovo 21 is exceptional in the approach of the people who work there, not just professionally, but especially on a human level. For me, it's very important to collaborate with people I get along with and feel comfortable with. And, of course, projects that Slovo 21 does are meaningful and close to me.
