Sceneggiatura / Screenplay: Adam Martinec Fotografia / Photography: David Hofmann Montaggio / Editing: Matěj Sláma Musica / Music: Jonatán Pastirčák Suono / Sound: Miki Kocáb, Peter Hilčanský Scenografia / Set Designer: Aneta Grňáková Costumi / Costume Designer: Zuzana Formánková Interpreti / Cast: Karel Martinec, Miloslav Čížek, Pavlína Balner, Aleš Bilík, Albert Čuba, Karin Bilíková, Antonín Budínský, Kristina Kaniová, Jan Koloničný, Zdeněk Pecháček Produzione, distribuzione internazionale / Produced by, World Sales: Breathless Films Coproduzione / Co-produced by: Filmsomnia, Česká Televize, FAMU, Innogy Con il sostegno di / Supported by: Státní fond kinematografie, Audiovizuálny Fond, Moravskoslezský kraj, Filmová Nadace
The annual pig slaughter at the grandparents’ house in Osoblaha is a cherished family tradition. However, this year promises to be unlike any other. Grandpa grapples with the difficult decision to end this tradition, worrying his widowed son-in-law Karel, who finds comfort from loneliness in this event. The task of raising a pig has become too burdensome. Amid brewing tensions, Karel’s domineering nature and Lucia’s failing marriage add to the family’s disputes, alongside a looming conflict with a spiteful neighbour. An unforeseen challenge arises when butcher Tonda arrives with damp cartridges, risking the event’s success. As the day unfolds, the resilience of family bonds is tested, revealing the strength and fragility of relationships forged in tradition and love. Our Lovely Pig Slaughter premiered in competition at the Karlovy Vary IFF in 2024, winning a Special Mention.
“When I began working on Our Lovely Pig Slaughter, I wanted to explore the complexities of disappearing rituals, loneliness, and family relationships. Partly inspired by the Czechoslovak New Wave, I aimed to create a narrative that would both challenge and connect with audiences emotionally. Through a blend of humor and desperation, I sought to create a space for viewers to reflect on their own experiences. I hope this film resonates with audiences, offering new perspectives on the Czech pig-slaughter tradition as well as the dynamics of relationships and the inevitable decline in human life.” (A. Martinec)
Adam Martinec
Film director and writer, Adam Martinec was born in 1990 on the Czech-Polish border. He is a graduate of the Department of Film Directing at FAMU in Prague. His short film Sugar and Salt premiered at San Sebastian IFF in 2018 and his last short Anatomy of a Czech Afternoon won the Czech Lion for the Best Short Film in 2020. Our Lovely Pig Slaughter is his first feature film.
2018 Cukr a sůl (Sugar and Salt) cm / sf 2020 Anatomie českého odpoledne (Anatomy of a Czech Afternoon) cm / sf; Premi / Awards: Czech Film Critics’ Awards – Miglior cortometraggio / Best Short Film; Czech Lions – Miglior cortometraggio / Best Short Film 2021 Marie Franková cm / sf doc. 2024 Mord (Our Lovely Pig Slaughter); Premi / Awards: Karlovy Vary IFF – Menzione speciale / Special Mention
