René - Vězeň svobody

René - The Prisoner of Freedom

Czech criminal René is finding it difficult to go straight. Roaming from job to shelter, from woman to woman, he discovers that living honestly is a lot more difficult than just stealing something every once in a while. In 1989, filmmaker Helena Třeštíková started filming the then 18-year-old delinquent, ultimately resulting in the 2008 film RENÉ, which follows his life inside and outside prison. This sequel to that film begins with the premiere of RENÉ and the ensuing storm of media attention. In the years that followed, Třeštíková continued to film René’s daily life and his existential reflections, with intervening pauses of several months. So far, his newly acquired national status as “lovable criminal” has brought him few benefits, except for the attention of female fans. Will he manage to keep out of jail this time? (IDFA)

Director's Filmography (Selection)
René - Vězeň svobody (René - The Prisoner of Freedom, 2021, doc) - Anny (2020, doc; CE'21) - Strnadovi (A Marriage Story, 2017, doc; CE'17) - Mallory (2015, doc; CE’16) - Katka (2010, doc; CE’16) - René (2008, doc; CE’09, CE’16; CE'22) - Marcela (2006, doc; CE’16) - Řekni mi něco o sobě - René (Tell Me Something About Yourself - René, 1992, doc). In 2016, Crossing Europe dedicated a Tribute to Helena Třeštíková.
European Panorama Documentary 2022
Helena Třeštíková
Czech Republic 2021
color
99 minutes
Czech
OV with English subtitles
Screenplay Helena Třeštíková
Cinematography David Cysař, Vlastimil Hamernik, Jiří Chod
Editing Jakub Hejna
Sound/Sounddesign Richard Müller
Music Tadeáš Věrčák
With René Plášil
Producer(s) Kateřina Černá, Pavel Strnad
Production
Negativ, Czech Television
World Sales
Negativ
Austrian Premiere
World Premiere
IDFA 2021