New Comedy Film "Chica Checa" Explores Drag Culture and Parental Love

International sales distributor, Pluto Film, has announced its acquisition of the hotly anticipated comedy-drama "Chica Checa". The movie will have its global debut at the forthcoming Karlovy Vary Intl. Film Festival.

Conceived and brought to life by award-winning filmmaker, Šimon Holý, the narrative of "Chica Checa" delves into the emotional journey of a widow handling her son’s clandestine life as a drag queen. The film serves as a poignant affirmation that recreating oneself is viable at any age.

Set in rural Czech Republic, the plot orbits around Zdena, a widowed mail carrier living a subdued life. The serene monotony of her existence takes a dramatic turn when her son Lukáš, who has been living in Paris, returns home. Declaring his drag queen identity as Chica Checa (literally "Czech girl") during his visit, Lukáš shifts the dynamism of their relationship.

Challenged initially, Zdena exhibits boundless love for her son, solidifying their bond amid village gossip and stodgy mentalities. "Chica Checa" will enthrall the audience in competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.

Holý, who also takes credit for the film’s soundtrack, sheds light on his vision, “Amid the tumultuous global events, our endeavor was to communicate provocative subjects through a gentle and amiable narrative, yet not forfeiting the artistic worth”.

Featuring Pavla Tomicová, Jan Cina, and Alexandra Borbély, "Chica Checa" is a Czech, Slovak, and French co-production. It received financial backing from various European cultural funds and TV networks along with the EU.

Reflecting on the film's appeal, Benjamin Cölle, Pluto Film’s Managing Director said, "The narrative successfully marries artistic authenticity and emotional honesty. We believe that its tender storytelling combined with a profound insight into the mother-son relationship would touch the hearts of a global audience and find particular resonance with queer groups".