During the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Monday, Czech director Tomáš Hodan pitched his new film, The Stones Are Rolling to Prague (Kameny se valí do Prahy), which centers on the iconic 1990 Rolling Stones concert in Prague. This period comedy explores the challenges faced by four friends tasked with organizing the concert in the aftermath of the Velvet Revolution.
Plot Overview of The Stones Are Rolling to Prague
Set in the spring of 1990, the film captures a pivotal moment in Czech history as the country transitioned from communism to freedom. The narrative follows four friends who previously organized underground concerts during the Communist era. They are presented with an extraordinary opportunity by President Václav Havel to arrange a Rolling Stones concert in Czechoslovakia.
“A wild ride begins,” reads the synopsis, detailing their humorous struggles with translating the band's requirements, managing logistics, and raising the unprecedented sum of $1 million. The film culminates with Mick Jagger making his entrance at Strahov Stadium, greeting the crowd with “Ahoj Praha!”, prompting tears of joy from 100,000 fans.
Production Details and Challenges
The comedy, produced by Jakub Kraus, Martin Palán, and Tibor Búza, faces several challenges, including securing additional financing and finding an international distributor. The film will feature a cast that includes Petr Uhlík, Jan Nedbal, Josef Trojan, and Matyáš Řezníček, and will be presented in three languages: Czech, Slovak, and English.
Hodan refers to the film as a “loser comedy”, highlighting the inexperience of the main characters. “It’s about four guys who only have desire, but they have no experience, they don’t speak English, they don’t have a fax machine,” he explained at the festival.
Significance of the Rolling Stones Concert
The Rolling Stones concert is depicted as a miraculous event for the Czech people, symbolizing newfound freedom. Hodan emphasizes that while the band’s music will be present, the focus will be on the four friends who organized the event rather than the band itself. “It was a miracle to the end, because no one believed they would see Mick Jagger any time soon,” he remarked, highlighting the concert's historical significance.
- Film Title: The Stones Are Rolling to Prague
- Director: Tomáš Hodan
- Setting: Spring 1990, Prague
- Key Characters: Four friends, President Václav Havel
- Key Event: Rolling Stones concert on August 18, 1990
- Budget: $1 million
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