A little boy walks into a toy store full of people talking a strange and incomprehensible language. Alone he bonds with a young mother who finds a way to communicate with him without words. He is going to tell her something she never expected.

Interview with Writer/Director Robin Polák

Watch Speechless on Sofy.tv and Prime Video

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! I still haven't forgotten this special feeling of not being understood and being able to communicate with anyone. Back in the days, when I came from the Czech Republic to Germany in 1981, I had to solely trust my instincts and learned non-verbally from social-emotional communication. And this specific feeling is part and parcel of my short film.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The refugee topic is now more relevant than ever and – of course – it deeply concerns me given my own past. However, far from a morality tale the true purpose of my movie is to bring this specific feeling to life and a bit closer to our privileged reality. SPEECHLESS is supposed to deliver a visceral moment that makes you rethink and rediscover your compassion.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Speechless is very personal to me because it deals with my own past as a refugee kid back in the days. But now more than ever this subject is very relevant.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The Idea was simple from the very beginning on and I tried not to loose the important moment by adding effects and unnecessary content. I worked very close with my producers who helped me to focus on the message I wanted to convey. Sometimes it´s more difficult to keep it simple.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I was overwhelmed by the feedback I got. The people have been deeply moved by my little film. I remember my first festival screening - There was complete silence in the cinema hall and I was confused because I was used to see people clapping immediately. Afterwards I realised that this film needs some time to hit people's minds.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Absolutely! Before then I was writing more funny stuff. Speechless helped me to also look topics that are a bit darker. And the success gave me the drive and energy to start writing my first feature length screenplay.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want people from all over the place to see this little film, hoping to get their attention for a very important topic that concerns all of us.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

As I said, the more the better. I think journalists, buyers and distributors could help a lot to spread the word and raise awareness.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Speechlessness, a moment to reflect and contemplate.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to communicate without words?

Would you like to add anything else?

I never expected my short to be that successful. This leaves me speechless. I`m very thankful for this opportunity.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I`m working on my first feature with Czar Film. An anthology drama taking place in Berlin.

Interview: September 2017

_______________________________________________________________________________

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

_______________________________________________________________________________

SPEECHLESS

Length: 7 min

Director: Robin Polák

Producer: Anja Wedell

Writer: Robin Polák

About the writer, director and producer:

Writer & Director

Robin Polák was born in Prague. He emigrated with his parents to Germany. Now he´s living and working in Berlin as a Writer and director.

Key cast:
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Heike Makatsch (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0538443/)

Noah Papadimitriu, Samir Fuchs, Stefan Nagel, Matilda Florczyk

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speechlesstheshort

Other: www.speechlessfilm.com

Funders: Made in association with: CZAR Film Gmbh www.czar.de

Where can I see it in the next month?

22nd INTERNATIONALES SCHLINGEL FILMFESTIVAL, Chemnitz, Germany

22nd FESTIVAL OF GERMAN FILM, Paris, France

12th SHORTS MEXICO - FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CORTOMETRAJES MÉXICO, Mexico City