A feature length documentary 'Red Roofs' ('czerwone dachy' in Polish / 'červené střechy' in Czech /'piros tetővel' in Hungarian) is looking at Czechoslovakian, Polish and Hungarian cinema from 1950 till 1990 and its political and social impact. It will also explore the impact that politics had on film-making and the people involved within the industry. How was propaganda used and was it succesful in influencing the general public. The film will start chronologically from the post-war boom: the enthusiasm of the 50' and 60' through to the toughest period of the 70' with its censorship that resulted in banned films and film-makers. Then, following a more relaxed approach in the 80' which involved foreign co-productions and financial capital from abroad.

 

The documentary will consist of interviews with film-makers including actors, screenwriters, cinematographers, producers etc. e.g. Andrzej Wajda, Agnieszka Holland, Slawomir Idziak, Daniel Olbrychski, Juraj Herz, Juraj Jakubisko, Vojtech Jasny, Vera Chytilova, Istvan Szabo, Karoly Makk, Bela Tarr. Interviews will be intercut with relevant footage from the directors work mixed with film archive, all coming to life, telling an exciting and relevant story. What is the legacy of this body of cinema, how does it relate to modern film-making and does it have an important political and social message. 

 

The title 'Red Roofs' is potent with meaning: not only is it an architectual landmark but also signifies the conflict of the communist era.