Original subtitles

Starring

Screen adaption by

Music,Sound,Editing

Photography

Producers

Directed by

Cesky...

Stern. Stern... Berk

I'll never learn to say that. A local girl can teach you.

Maybe she'll teach you even more than that.

Where is the hotel? Right on the square.

How'll we find the square?

We follow the local beauties.

Leka, see that blonde? She'll show us the way.

Artur, there's a problem with your theory about the local beauties.

Maybe. At least we know one important address now.

I need this shot. For a film on motorbikes?

I'm thinking of the broader context.

I'd capture this unique setting.

There's a problem. What?

The room is too expensive.

You're causing trouble already.

Let's try somewhere else. Leka, quiet.

The biggestroom is only 5 crowns aperson.

We're not to tell a souI. The manager could get in trouble.

Karel, you didn't believe me. I only believe in my film.

Are you a foreigner? Yes.

Go settle in. Your colleague knows the way.

Let's go.

Luxurious, isn't it?

Why the scowls?

We could invite the girls from the Drama FacuIty.

Out of the question. They'd love it.

Seriously? We'll clean it up in an hour.

Come on, move it!

Excuse me, I've brought you some bedding.

I just wanted to ask if your name is Leka Serianjich.

Is that correct? Seriani. -Aha, Seriani.

Leka Seriani.

I have a request. It's just a formalilty.

Foreigners must register with the police.

That's just the way it is in our country.

Go see Comrade Snajdr, the local Police Chief.

Go to his home. It's the 3rd house after the bridge.

The name is Snajdr. Yes, Mr. Snajdr.

May I help you? I'm looking for Mr. Snajdr.

I don't know when he'll be back.

I want to register for temporary residence.

With luck you'll find him at the pub across the river.

Goodbye.

Heard the one about Jarda?

He buys some record albums and goes home.

His wife asks why he buys records

when we don't have a record player? Know what he said?

Why do you buy bras, then?

Are you Comrade Snajdr?

Yes, what's wrong? I need temporary residence here.

I'm from the Film FacuIty. We're shooting a film here.

Show me your passport.

Who said you need residence?

The manager at the hotel. I should've known.

Japanese and Italians do. But you're Albanian.

Albania is a socialist country. You don't need a permit here.

Tell the manager not to spread rumours or make a fuss

when she sees an Albanian.

Good evening. Good evening.

Did you get your permit? Snajdr said I don't need it.

How so? Albania is a socialist country.

Socialist, communist, What's the difference?

We didn't think you were coming. I'm here.

Here you are, gentlemen.

Did you order this? No.

It's on the house. You brought us luck.

Some surveyors checked in right after you for two months.

They're surveying the highway to Brno. To your film!

Cheers!

Hello. We're Film Faculty students.

We're here to see Mr. Piskacek.

Please call him "Comrade Director." Hold on.

Did you see that girl? There's something about her.

Her expression.

A beautiful, mysterious factory worker.

Comrade students, Work means honor. I'm Piskacek!

Artur Zah, Leka Seriani cameraman. Karel Breznicky producer.

Are you a foreigner? I'm from Albania.

An Albanian. I've never met an Albanian before.

Comrade Hoxh ais a wise leader.

Your country has made unseen progress

thanks to the socialist economic system.

Comrades, follow me.

Eso motorcycles are world famous.

This is our smeltering room. This is Comrade... Greetings.

Comrade Kalich can explain what is done here, better than I can.

This is the turnery. This year we'll make 100 motorbikes.

We'll double that during this Five-Year Plan.

Comrade twins, Helena- Milena. I can never tell them apart.

They're mischievous, but they're two of our finest workers.

At least it's clear, young people like ourfactory.

Follow me, Comrade filmmakers.

What is your film about?

Motorcycle manufacturing. You must also show that

Socialism reigns victorious over Capitalism. That is already reality.

Hello, Major Gagarin.

We all lived to see the day.

We will include that, of course. Fine, then.

We'll let you film in the factory under one condition.

You will show me all the footage before you finish the film.

Is that clear?

Crystal! Then we can start tomorrow.

Anything else? Comrade Director, we saw a girl

pushing a wheel barrow of scrap metal. Where does she work?

Why do you ask? We want her in ourfilm.

Put her in the film and there will be no film.

Is that clear? You may go now!

Hi, haven't we already met?

Filmmakers have memory problems!

You never forget a beautiful girl. Right, Leka?

Are you Leka? Like the Albanian currency 'lek'?

My name is Leka. It's Albanian.

Are you Albanian?

Say something in Albanian. Like what? -Say hello.

And goodbye?

Where are you going? Wait!

How do you say, "I Iove you"?

What?

How do you say, "I Iove you"?

Të dua.

Leke, të dua. Artur, të dua.

Karel, të dua.

I thought you'd be working, but you're enjoying the summer.

We start tomorrow. Hi, Viktor!

Beautiful car. Wedding present.

Marta and I are going to be married.

All the best. Congratulations.

Have you told the female world yet?

Cut it out, Artur. I'm starting a new life.

You're invited next Saturday at 3 p.m. Orechovka No 24.

Aren't you rushing things?

We've decided. Why wait? Are you coming?

Why not? We have to take the film to the lab anyway.

Leka, I almost forgot.

You have a telegram.

I haven't written home for two months.

Mummy is worried. Mummy, eh?

Spend the night here. We have room.

We have to be in Prague today. Please come on Saturday.

Bye.

Look! The mystery woman.

Come with me, Comrades.

These filmmakers are making a film about our socialist factory.

What have you done? A little cleaning.

We can't shoot in a factory like this.

This is a documentary. We want everyday dust and noise.

I thought we'd set an example if we're going to be in a film.

Are there any workshops you haven't cleaned up?

Come with me.

What are you gawking at? Don't you have work to do?

Happy, Karel? Yeah, everything went well.

How can you get so dirty shooting a film?

I'll give you the bathroom key.

You're wonderful, Mrs Ruzickova!

So are you.

Is there a phone here? I have to call Albania.

Sternberk's only phone is at the post office, but it's closed.

Mr. Snajdr has a police phone.

Excuse me. Here are some clean towels.

I'm not looking for you.

I just came to ask what you want for supper.

Chicken or Znojmo sauce? Schnitzel!

Not a problem. Schnitzel it is.

May we play music in the restaurant?

If it doesn't bother anyone I don't see why not.

I'm leaving. That's all I wanted. Pretend I am not here.

It's open.

Hello. Is Mr., I mean, Comrade Snajdr home?

When will he be back? What do you need from him?

I need to make an urgent call to Albania.

The hotel manager said you had a phone.

Speak softly. I just put my son to bed.

What's the number? Tirana 7649.

Cesky Sternberk 213 here. Tirana, please.

Albania. Yes. 7649.

Thanks. Yes.

We have to wait. Thanks.

Do you go home much?

I've only been once in four years here.

That's not much.

It's a long, expensive train trip.

You go through Hungary and Romania, board a ship at Konstanza,

sail through Istanbul and on to Athens.

Then you reach the port of Durrës via the Peloponese.

It takes eight days.

I always wanted to travel, but I've only been to Poland twice.

Are there palm trees in Albania? Yes, there are.

Hello?

Thanks. Welcome.

Tirana here. Hello, this is Leka.

Leka, how are you ? Fine, and you?

You haven't even called once. I'm working on my thesis.

I'm out in the country. I was getting worried.

Why do you worry so much?

You know how I worry, son. Please don't worry. I'm fine.

Listen, Leka. It's autumn. Dress warm.

Don't catch cold, do you hear?

I have to go. I'm not at the post office.

Where are you? At someone's house.

Don't be a stranger, Leka. Please call.

I will. Goodnight then.

Okay then, goodnight! All the best. Goodnight

Mrs. Snajdrova, what do I owe you?

Nothing. It's a police phone.

Thank you then, and goodnight. Goodnight!

Good evening.

Would it be okay if we played some dance music?

What kind of music? Miki Volek Sputnik Karel Gott...

We'll go get changed.

Good evening. Artur Zak. Nice to meet you.

I'm Ivan. Artur Zak. Pavel.

This is Karel, our director. Good evening.

Good evening! Something to drink? Abeer?

Good evening.

We declare this party open with Miki Volek. May I?

Bring us some wine and two glasses.

A bottle? Better make it two.

Here you are.

Cigarette? Are you Albanian?

Do you like living in this country?

I Iove it.

Prague is a real metropolis.

Tirana can't compare.

Sometimes I feel sorry I wasn't born here.

Would you trade your homeland?

Tough question.

It's my home. My family lives there.

Here I feel more relaxed. There is more freedom.

Interesting books are published here.

Books. Perhaps.

Have you heard of Jachymov?

No.

It's Europe's biggest uranium mine.

There's a lot of radioactivity there.

Only political prisoners work it.

The government doesn't care if they all die of cancer.

Do you know why our state needs so much uranium?

To give it to the Soviet Union

Free of charge, as a sign of gratitude.

They use it for atom bombs.

How do you know so much about Jachymov?

Everyone knows. Everyone who wants to, that is.

No one talks about it, though. Too dangerous.

Why aren't you scared? I've already been there.

8 years.

I worked in the mine for 8 years.

That castle fascinates me.

Mrs. Ruzickova said the Count still lives there. He's a guide.

RealIy? That wouId never happen in my country.

The twins. Shall we film them?

We'll have footage of how workers spend their free time.

Why not?

What's Leka up to? He knows what he's doing.

Cesky Sternberk Castle was founded in the 13th Century

by Zdeslav of Divisov,

later renamed of Sternberg after the eight-pointed gold star

seen in the Coat of Arms.

This is the Knights' Hall.

It is the biggest and the most important room.

On the walls between the windows and fireplaces,

there are some large portraits of imperial leaders,

from the Thirty Years' War.

Unfortunately they are just copies.

Note the ornamental plastering in this majestic hall.

This is King George of Podebrady.

Zdenek the owner of the castle at the time,

was the King's right hand man.

Excuse me, I wanted to ask you.

Did Zdenek ever contribute to friendly ties

between the Czech King And the Albanian King

Gjergj Kastrioti known as Skanderbeg?

Documents confirm they fought the Turks together

under the leadership of Hungarian Prince Huniad.

I'm pleased you are interested in history.

We can apply lessons from history to real life.

Especially someone like you who studies cinematography.

Let's continue.

This is the end. Goodbye now.

Thank you.

I also thank you on behalf of the castle's current owner,

the Czechoslovak state.

Goodbye and thanks.

Hello. Hello.

Should I Iock up the expositions?

Yes, but leave the library open.

I want to read some documents so I can tell the Albanian

about ties between Zdenek and Skanderbeg.

She's a Countess.

I know.

So here you are. Just me. -Where's Karel?

No idea. Put Kafka aside. Come with me.

Why? -The local girls have gone to a sauna a kilometer up river.

Do you want to film them? Yes. -What about Karel?

He doesn't have to know.

I haven't got any film. I have a spare.

Come on.

Girls, summer is almost over and not a boy in sight.

Someone's enjoying their vacation. Right, Helena?

I don't envy you. What about the filmmakers?

Karel is cute. -But he's mine. Says who? -Me.

Let's go swimming.

In Finland men and women take saunas together.

When it snows they lie in it naked.

Put your hood up.

Start rolIing.

Are there beautiful girls in Slovakia, too?

Slovak girls are Gorgeous and friendly.

This is it. We have to be careful.

Don't worry.

How's it going? These are the final sequences.

Is the film ready? We need a good ending.

Footage of your bikes winning a race would work.

We could arrange that. We have motorbikes, racers,

and a race course. Wonderful. We're all set.

Hang on. Didn't you promise to show me the film?

The film needs editing, sound. Don't you want to show me?

Of course. We won't have the copies until Monday.

So we'll watch it Monday, then we'll discuss the races.

Work is honor, Comrades.

What are you doing? We're shooting a film here.

Sorry, I didn't know. I need to talk to you.

You ruined the sequence.

Mr. Koudelka, we have to shoot it again.

Can I talk to you before you start?

I don't have time now. Then when will you?

Seven tonight. I'll wait under the old bridge.

What is it?

I want to act in your film.

It's about motorbikes. How about another one?

That's up to the directors. I'm just the cameraman.

At least listen to my monologue.

No. It might rain and we'll get soaked.

I'll show you a place where the rain can't get us.

When I was young I used to come here,

and I pretended I was a great actress.

I love Juliet, I feel a little like her.

I'll recite my favourite monologue.

"O bid me, leap, rather than

marry Paris, from off the battlements of any tower?

Or walk in thievish ways, or bid me lurk, where serpents are.

Or bid me go into a new-made grave and hide me with a dead man.

Things that, to hear them told, have made me tremble,

and I will do it without fear or doubt,

to live an unstain'd wife to my sweet love."

Eliska, What do you do for a living?

I'm a cook at a hotel. Will you help me?

I really don't know how to help you.

Should I undress? Why?

I'll do anything for my acting career.

Keep your clothes on.

Look do you want me to be honest?

One day you might be a great cook.

I don't know if you'll ever be an actress.

There's been an accident. Is your husband home?

No.

There's been a motorcycle accident. Where?

One kilometer from here, on the road from Rataj.

I'll call an ambulance. Then we'll get my husband.

Vladimir! What?

There's been an accident.

I give up. Where did you leave our son?

With the neighbor. I can't get a moment's peace.

What do you want? I found the motorcycle rider

in a pool of blood by the roadside.

This is the place.

Where abouts?

The motorbike was here.

I must be blind. I don't see any bike here.

There's blood here. Someone may have killed a deer,

and carted it away.

What is that?

Who called the ambulance? I did.

Thanks. This is all we needed.

Comrade Commander, I really saw the accident.

Stop!

Everything's okay.

I really saw it. Believe me.

I believe you.

You can keep going.

You'll pay for the ambuIance So you won't do this again.

You Albanians seem too impulsive to me.

Stop grinning. Let's go.

Give Viktor and Marta my regards.

Be careful of the film.

Why didn't Karel come?

He may have a date with a surveyor.

Haven't you noticed how they flirt with him?

Have you met any girls in Sternberk?

No.

Have you? No.

Bravo!

She's superb.

Welcome.

What does that mean? Lots of babies and a happy life!

This is something from Albania for you to taste.

Thank you. How sweet.

Artur is over there.

Artur! Where have you been?

Skip the congratulations. How's the filming?

Fine. We'll see the dailies on Monday

with the functionaries.

I have something to show you.

Where are we going?

What's that key?

Why are you so mysterious, Viktor?

Our bedroom.

It's wonderfuI. A gift from my father-in-law.

You must be a happy man. I should be.

If the chance should arise don't hesitate to ask for the key.

Who knows the words? Come on.

To Viktor and Marta!

Excuse me. Hi.

Are you Italian?

Are you joking? Not at all.

Don't you recognize me? It's we live in the same dorm.

Maybe, but I've never seen you before.

I've seen you a thousand times. You're Ema Jiraskova.

Right. You live on the second floor.

You study acting. And who are you?

The invisible man from the forth floor.

Let's dance. Sure.

Why did you ask if I was Italian?

Are you? No.

I'm Albanian. Disappointed?

Not at all. I like meeting new people.

Me, too. I'm glad we just met so we can get to know each other.

What do you think?

Okay.

Ema!

What are you doing?

I'm looking around the room.

Please don't lock it.

Someone might walk in.

That won't happen.

No, please. No, Leka. I apologize.

I want to stop. I'm sorry.

You didn't get lucky with the actress, did you?

How do you know? Otherwise you wouldn't be alone.

Actresses are awful. Got something against them?

No.

What are you drinking? Something foreign.

It's not that bad. Do you want a shot?

No.

Get lost, then!

What are you doing?

Packing. I leave for Albania at 1 o'clock.

For Albania?

Youleave today. I leave in 2 weeks.

Yes, but there's no coming back. What do you mean?

We've all received orders. We have to go back!

What about those who married here?

Why did Saimi split up with Dajna? Because he didn't love her anymore?

It's over, everything.

I know a girl here, for example, and I really like her.

Who knows, but... Leka, I really envy you!

You will get your diploma. I only finished 2 years.

I just learned the language. What am I going to do?

Genti, there's no reason for this. It's meaningless.

Hanka is also coming to see me off. She said she'd wait for me.

Don't worry. We may be back someday.

The Ambassador is waiting for you.

Thank you.

Hello, Comrade Ambassador. Hello, Comrade Leka.

Have a seat. Thank you.

How are the studies going? Fine.

We're shooting the film for our diploma. So far so good.

What is the film about?

The production of world-famous Eso motorcycles.

Interesting topic. Has the date for the state exams been posted?

Yes, September 12.

Listen carefully. It's better to say things openly as they stand.

The Czechoslovak communists, just like the Soviet communists,

just like the Yugoslav revisionists,

have betrayed the doctrine of Marxism Leninism.

However, Comrade Enver does not permit deviations

from the road to the construction of socialism.

The Party and Comrade Enver

need the contribution of qualified young Albanians.

Thus, as soon as your studies are over

you must return to Albania immediately.

You said your last state exam is on the 12th.

I will give you until the 15th

to wrap up everything having to do with your studies.

You know we have opened a new film studio in Tirana.

On the 20th you will report there.

We will take care of your ticket.

If you do not report to the studio on the said date,

you will suffer grave consequences.

And your family will, too.

However, I firmly believe everything will go fine.

Can I come in? Sure.

What happened?

Promise that Ema will never find out about this conversation.

I promise.

There may be juicy stories going around about Ema,

but she's still a virgin. Whenever the moment comes, she freezes up.

That's what happened last night with you, too.

You gave up too soon. But she ran away.

All men are the same. You neve rrecognize when no means no

and when it means yes. Give it another try.

Or else I won't be able to room with her anymore.

So many fireflies!

I've never seen so many fireflies.

Leka!

Good evening.

Good evening. Good evening.

This is a fellow student from Prague.

Are there any rooms available?

Number nine on the first floor is available. You'll Iike it.

For one night? Yes, for one night.

Whose name should I register it?

Hers. She'll be in the room alone.

Your name, please.

Ema Jiraskova. I'll remember that.

Who is paying?

I will. 25 crowns, please.

Thank you. The key.

Goodnight. Goodnight.

Goodnight, Leka!

Goodnight.

What time do you close? In an hour.

Good evening.

You're looking for my husband again, and again he's not here.

May I please call Tirana again? It's urgent.

Come in. Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello. Hello. Yes, it's me, Leka.

Leka, how are you? We worry about you.

Why do you worry? I'm fine.

When are you coming home? So we can come pick you up?

In two weeks. I've been told the 15th, but I'm not sure.

Maybe I can postpone it a few days.

That's fine. Please come as soon as you can.

Have a wonderful trip. Thanks, I will. How is everyone?

We're all fine, but you must come back as soon as possible.

All your colleagues are home. You have a job waiting

in Tirana at the new film studios.

Is that what they said? They told me the same here at the Embassy.

We are so proud of you. You should know that.

You were lucky they sent you there to study.

You must come home soon, do you hear?

I will. Goodnight, then. We'll see you soon.

Goodnight. Goodnight.

Thank you so much, Mrs. Snajdrova. Don't mention it.

I'm sorry about the accident. It's not your fault.

The man was drunk the bike skidded and he fell off.

When he woke up, he rode off

so as not to lose his license.

The whole town knows, but no one says a word. You're the only witness.

I was afraid your husband might be angry.

Are you screening the film tomorrow?

How do you know that? My husband knows Piskacek.

He invited him. It's just the unedited footage.

Best of luck. Goodnight. Goodnight and thank you.

Ema? Good morning.

Ema, are you still sleeping?

Ema?

Wait for me here. I'll come get you in the afternoon.

Hello, Comrades. We have turned the canteen into a cinema.

We are here to watch the students' film.

You have an hour's break for lunch, er, to watch the film.

Do you have anything to say? This is just raw footage,

unedited, no sound. Many shots won't even be in the final product.

Normally, daily footage is not shown in public,

but Comrade Director insisted.

We'll gladly take a look at how a film is made. Can we begin?

Welcome, Jana. Sit down.

Where is Vladimir? At the regional office.

Stop, stop. Turn it off!

What was that? Will that be in the film?

This must be a mistake. That wasn't even in the script.

Why did you take those shots? I'd never allow that.

You pigs. Comrade, calm down.

Get back to work. You have the students to thank for this.

We must investigate. Where's your husband?

At the regional office. Come with me, then.

Come with me. This calls for a thorough investigation.

You are hostile animals. Please have a seat, Comrade.

How could you degrade my finest workers like that?

I will seek the most severe punishment.

One day you will thank me. The fiming is over.

You won't portray our socialist girls as prostitutes anymore.

Who filmed those sequences? Or are you all responsible?

Don't you do the camerawork?

Were your colleagues with you?

Don't you know how to speak? No.

So you don't know how to speak. No. They weren't there.

I did it alone.

Then you alone will pay the consequences. Your name?

Leka Seriani.

Let me write it down. You're that Albanian, aren't you?

Do you film naked girls without their knowledge in Albania?

No. Why did you film Czech girls?

Our Albanian comrades will Iove this.

Yes. I'm busy.

Frantisek! It really is outrageous

what this student did to the girls, but he is young.

I'm sure he deeply regrets it. Don't you, Comrade?

This is not a crime. It might be an infringement.

What if the boys apologize to the girls?

They can hand over the footage so it can't be misused.

What's done is done. Why make things worse?

Would you agree to such a solution?

I'm still sending the school that letter,

I'll give the Embassy some more thought.

I also have to think about the motorcycle races.

The workers don't want to be filmed anymore.

Take your film and get lost. Thank you, Comrade Director.

Where is Vladimir? I know. He's at the regional office.

Thanks for taking the blame. I owe you.

Artur, I couId get into big trouble over this.

You idiots.

Do you realize we still have filming to do?

If we can't shoot the race,

we'll have to think of a different finale here in the factory.

No more nonsense. I'll be watching you.

Get to work so we can finish the film.

I have no idea who'll pay for an unfinished film. You, perhaps?

No.

Young people.

Jarmilka, two Turkish coffees, please.

Mrs. Snajdrova, I...

Want a ride to Sternberk?

I want to thank you. You aren't off the hook yet.

Piskacek will definitely send a letterto the school.

It was my mistake. I should've remembered those sequences.

You shouldn't have even filmed them.

Is he sending the Embassy aIetter, too?

Probably not. That isn't so simple.

Why did you help me, Mrs. Snajdrova?

Call me Jana.

Is something wrong? No.

You have beautiful eyes.

Is there anything beautiful about me?

Is there something about me?

As a cameraman you should know.

Tell your friends I'll smooth things over with Piskacek.

If I don't, i'll get my husband to.

Thank you, Mrs. Snajdrova. I mean Jana.

That's enough. Get going.

Sternberk isn't far. I don't want to be seen with you.

Do you know where Ema is?

She left quite a while ago.

This morning she said she'd wait for me.

This morning? She left last night about an hour after she arrived.

She said she had to return to Prague right away.

She asked me to tell you she thanks you for something,

and that she would remember you all her life.

I don't understand why a fellow student would forget you.

I know why she said that.

Cheer up. Miss Jiraskova was very beautifuI.

Maybe too beautiful. You wouldn't have been happy with her.

I didn't even have time to register her.

Where can I buy a bouquet around here?

Still thinking about her? No, I am not.

I want to express my thanks to a woman from Sternberk.

She helped me a lot.

The closest florist is in Vlasim.

I'll cut you some flowers from the garden.

This is for the flowers. Please buy a big bar of chocolate, too.

Okay. Thanks.

Good evening. Good evening.

I came to thank you again.

For me?

I haven't received flowers in ages.

This is chocolate for your son.

How sweet.

Are you here to use the phone?

No, not today.

Piskacek said everything is okay.

He probably won't write the letter.

I do think you shouId call the girls to say...

My husband will be here soon. You should go.

Get going!

What? You are very beautiful.

Go.

Come to the road above the Castle tomorrow at nine.

Hello, Comrade Director.

Please be seated.

Well...

We apologize.

It was a stupid boyish prank.

It shouldn't have happened.

Helena lost her boyfriend because of your prank.

He doesn't want a girlfriend who was filmed nude.

The men laugh at us. Horrible. I am truly sorry.

Big help that is. Go home to Albania.

Calm down, Comrade.

Here is the footage. There are no other copies.

You are free to go.

Goodbye. Work means honor.

I hope you've learned a lesson.

Definitely.

I am basically benevolent.

Young people are our future.

Tomorrow I'll send you five motorcyclists with bikes.

And fifty workers as extras.

Thank you, Comrade Director. Thank you.

Stop. Someone may see us. Where should we go?

Nearby there's a barn with a haystack.

All the locals know it.

Men look there first for their wives.

How do you know it?

Don't remind me.

How about your place? No.

What about my hotel? We mustn't be seen together.

Don't worry. My friends went to the cinema.

Welcome.

I envy you.

You're young.

Your whole life is ahead of you. You're free to make decisions.

Free?

What kind of freedom do I have?

In two weeks I have to go home.

We may never see each other again.

Are you filming tomorrow?

Yes, the motorcycle races.

Piskacek promised everything we wanted.

Actually, thanks to you.

Come watch.

We're almost finished filming. Finished?

Are you leaving?

Yes, day after tomorrow, in the morning.

I was thinking

I'd send my son to my mother's for 2-3 days.

I'd sneak back and spend a few days here.

Leka, please stay.

Stay here with me. Promise me that. Please.

I still can't believe I'm with you.

Me, neither.

I've never done this before.

Never.

I met my husband in Pilsen.

We had a great marriage at first.

Vladimir changed when our son was born.

He started drinking. He became jealous.

Meanwhile he was a lady's man.

Later he even had affairs with female suspects.

Then he was transferred here.

Things got even worse here.

Our lives are horrible.

RolIing!

Go...!

And cut!

How's it going? Great. Thank you, again.

If it comes out well I might not even send your school that letter.

That's all. Thank you.

We've finished shooting.

We've made a good film.

I propose we pack and then have some fun.

Why not? I already have plans.

Women come before friends. Nothing odd about that.

I want to stay here a few more days.

Why?

Sounds serious!

Cheers!

How can I help you? Is that room still free?

Another friend from school?

No, I want to film more of the beautiful scenery.

It is really beautiful here.

Would you like room nine again? Perhaps.

I hope you have better luck this time.

Thank you.

No one saw us.

Wow, beautiful.

That's not all.

What shall we toast to?

To your eyes?

To your... No.

Let's toast to time passing slowly.

What is it?

Nothing.

Will you turn off the lights?

Cameramen like light.

What's that?

A gift from my husband.

Do you know what I wish?

I wish you'd stay here.

I would get a divorce. You'd marry me.

If you married me, you could stay here legally.

My name would be Mrs. Serianova.

Why not Mrs. Seriani?

Okay, Mrs. Jana Seriani.

Sure?

Wonderful.

Where are you going?

To see the boys off. They're leaving for Prague.

Then I have to bring the camera here.

You won't run away from me, will you?

Don't worry, I'll be back.

Go back to sleep.

Give me a kiss.

Thanks for working with us.

Hope we can work on another film someday.

I hope so.

Who knows.

I'm thrilled I could work with you.

I'II have lots of memories. Read the sign again.

Cesky Sternberk.

You found a good teacher. How many did you have?

One angelic girl who wants to be an actress.

Did she want your help? Who told you? -I just know.

Bye, Leka. Hurry, Artur.

Have fun.

Bye! Bye, guys!

No, Leka. I'm a cameraman.

Don't film me.

You're beautiful. I'm half asleep.

Cut it out...

I'm embarrassed.

I want to go with you to Albania.

We could live together there.

You'd have trouble getting used to it.

Life there is not at all easy.

Things will just get worse and worse.

I'm not scared.

There's nothing good in store for me here.

Mr. Seriani, are you there?

One moment.

There's a message for Mrs. Snajdrova. I know she's there.

Your mother sent a man on a motorbike here.

Go now. Your husband is going to your mother's.

Thank you. Tell him I'll be right there.

I have to go right now.

He is capable of anything. I can't leave my son alone.

Please wait here for me until I come back.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Take care of yourself and your son.

I will.

I Iove you. What?

You have no idea how much.

I Iove you.

Get going.

May I please see the Count?

He's finishing a tour. Wait here for him.

Come in, please.

Have a seat. I'll bring you some tea.

I always make tea for my father after the last tour.

Dad, you have a guest. Thanks.

I wondered when our Albanian filmmaker would return.

I read the documents on Skanderbeg.

I found only the mention you already know about.

But you came about something else.

Right, although I don't know why I thought to come here.

I have to make a major decision.

I don't know who to go to for advice.

This is no simple matter.

I don't know if I'm the right person to advise you.

I can give you my opinion.

Have a seat. Thank you.

What's the matter?

Albania has embarked on an irreversible road to Communism.

The borders are being closed to our citizens,

Even those who want to go to other socialist countries.

At the Embassy they said I have to return to Tirana

the moment I finish exams. Otherwise, I will be in trouble.

All our Albanian students have to go home.

I understand little about the latest developments in Albania.

Why would such small country cut itself off from the rest of Europe?

Like the story of the silkworm.

The decision to go home or stay here is yours.

Thanks.

I'll Ieave you alone.

I met a woman here.

I care about her. I think she feels the same about me.

Listen to your heart. I'm no good for that sort of advice.

This is not just a matter of the heart.

It might have more to do with the head.

The woman is older than I am. She's married and has a child,

but she is unhappy. This is complicated.

What are your choices?

One idea is that I'd stay here.

She'd divorce her husband.

Her husband works for the communist regime.

He could take revenge on us.

My status is uncertain in Czechoslovakia.

I don't have a job or apartment here. I have nothing to offer her.

My mother and sister are in Albania.

The regime of Enver Hoxha would be cruel to them.

My brother studies medicine in Tirana.

He would not be allowed to finish school.

I can't destroy their lives.

Is there any other solution?

Yes, there is.

I pack up and leave, causing her great pain.

Although we are deeply in love, we'll try to forget each other.

We'll go our separate ways.

What wouId you do if you were in my place?

I can't say what I'd do.

I don't know what you feel for that woman.

I don't know about your ties to your mother and homeland.

My family's experience has been verified over centuries.

Love your country no matter the circumstances.

Never reject your parents.

Even after our defeat at the battle of The White Mountain

our family stayed here.

We stayed during the German Occupation, and under communism.

Our castle has been taken from us a few times,

like now under this odd regime.

In the end everything falls back into place.

Everyone should remain in the place he belongs.

I inherited this wisdom from my forefathers.

I have great regard for it.

You must be free to decide for yourself.

Listen to what your heart and your head

have to say.

I want to give you a gift no matter what you decide.

This is by the Czech poet Stanislav Kostka Neumann.

He wrote it during WWI, when he was in Albania.

He gave me this when The Habsburg Empire fell apart,

and we began to build the new Czechoslovak State.

Won't you miss it?

The author even signed it.

A few years later Neuman became an ardent Bolshevik

So his signature lost all meaning for me.

You may enjoy a foreign perspective on Albania.

You won'tfind a book like this in Albania.

Count, thank you for the book.

Thank you especially for your valuable time.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Straighten things up.

Leka, are you leaving?

Yes, Mrs. Ruzickova. I came to pay and say goodbye.

Room nine didn't bring you luck did it?

On the contrary!

It brought me great happiness that I'll never forget it.

Is there anything you want me to tell Mrs. Snajdrova?

No, no. Please don't worry about it.

I never even registered you.

Many, many thanks.

Several years later production stopped at the factory.

The student film 'ESO' is housed in the Prague Film Archives.

Mrs. Snajdrova left Cesky Sternberk,

no one knows what became of her.

Only after the fall ofthe Berlin Wal

was Leka Seriani able to return to Cesky Sternberk.

This film is dedicated to all those who are denied their freedom.