A striking reflection on life under communism – on the era “when the stars were red.” Released in 1990, at the very edge of a political turning point, the film came both too late and too early. It follows the story of a gentle, accommodating man, a conformist whose identity is gradually consumed by the regime and dominated by strong-willed women (“If you got me pregnant, I'll kill you!”). This lesser-known gem might surprise Slovak cinema fans. Produced by Koliba and co-financed by a French co-production aimed at shielding European film from creeping “Americanization,” it doesn’t quite feel like a typical Slovak film. Familiar faces and locations are scarce – save for the magnetic Otto Lackovič in an energetic role as a party comrade.Precisely because of its unusual tone and origin, the film remains a fascinating watch even more than 30 years after it was released.

The screening will be attended by the film's director, Dušan Trančík.