"I'm Not Everything I Want to Be" (Ještě nejsem, kým chci být) is a 2024 documentary directed by Klára Tasovská. The film delves into the life and work of Czech photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková, renowned for her candid documentation of Prague's underground LGBTQ+ scene during the communist era. Through her lens, the film captures the essence of artistic and personal freedom amidst political repression, making it a significant contribution to contemporary documentary cinema.
Synopsis:
The documentary offers an intimate portrayal of Jarcovjáková's journey as an artist and individual, navigating the repressive environment of post-1968 Czechoslovakia. Through her photographs and diary entries, the film captures her pursuit of personal and artistic freedom, shedding light on her experiences within marginalized communities and her exploration of identity.
Themes:
Artistic Expression Under Repression: Showcases the challenges and resilience of creating art in a politically constrained society.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Chronicles Jarcovjáková's personal journey in understanding and expressing her identity.
LGBTQ+ Histories: Documents the underground queer scene in Prague before the decriminalization of homosexuality.
Awards & Nominations : 5 wins & 5 nominations
The film premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024. It was later featured in the International Competition at the 2024 Festival du nouveau cinéma, where it received both the Daniel Langlois Innovation Award and the Fierté Montréal award for best LGBTQ-related film.
Critical Reception:
Critics have lauded the documentary for its innovative approach and emotional depth. Matthew Joseph Jenner of the International Cinephile Society described it as "a beautiful and striking documentary that proves that simplicity is always a valuable asset."
Reviews:
Cineuropa: Savina Petkova notes that the film "brings out the cinematic qualities of the photographs themselves and their ability to document a life through its ambivalences."
Seventh Row: Alex Heeney describes it as "formally ambitious and accomplished — creative nonfiction at its best."
Production: Mischief Films, Nutprodukcia, Somatic Films
Sales: Square Eyes (Austria)
Distribution: Salzgeber & Company Medien (Germany)
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/457141/
About movie: https://salzgeber.de/nochbinichnicht
Link to watch: https://kviff.tv/catalog/i-m-not-everything-i-want-to-be (Czech Republic)
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