The 29^th Made in Prague Festival is a celebration of Czech culture and one great film to emerge from this cultural initiative is Caravan, directed by newbie filmmaker, Zuzana Kirchnerová, who has managed to produce a tender and meaningful mother-son story. 

Single mother, Ester, has a Down Syndrome and autistic son. David is deprived of speech, however he journeys through his world with heightened awareness. We see nature through his eyes, the bright sun winking through the trees, plant fronds parting in the wind. He contemplates nature at length, rubs roughened surfaces, hooks his fingers through netting, the taste of sugar drives him wild with excitement and we, the viewer cannot help but enjoy these experiences as we accompany him on his journey of discovery. Kirchnerová ‘s soundtrack and dexterous camerawork is a sensory feast.

But, of course, not all is rosy in David’s and his mother’s world. We discover to what extent Ester and David are unable to fit into a ‘normal’ family holiday at the beginning of the movie. Staying with friends, Ester is made to feel inadequate, incompetent and out of her depth, caring for her son, who is clearly unhappy and upset by the stay . He becomes disruptive and turbulent and Ester takes flight in a caravan belonging to her friends.

This could have been an angry, brutal film but its director is far too intelligent for that. The focus on the holiday, the sea, sun, freedom, gives the film a lightness and joy. They have adventures, some of them very unexpected. They meet Zuza, a free-spirited woman and the time spent with her is full of laughter and games.

But there are clouds on the horizon.

David is getting stronger and more volatile. His wrestling matches with his exhausted and anxious mother (deftly played by Anna Geislerová) are no longer play. Summer is about to end. 

Caravan is well cast, with Juliana Brutovská, as Zuza, who provides a welcome break from the intense and complex mother-son relationship.

David Vodstrčil, playing the part of David, is quite brilliant in the role. Definitely an actor to watch out for. 

Highly recommended.

KH

Caravan plays at the Regent Street cinema Saturday 15^th November with a special Q&A with director Kirchnerová and lead actress Anna Geislerová

Caravan booking: https://bit.ly/MadeInPragueFestival_CARAVAN