The story of Slovak figure skater Ondrej Nepela, who represented Czechoslovakia and became the 1972 Olympic champion, a three-time world champion and a five-time European champion, is being adapted for the big screen for the first time since his death 36 years ago. Surprisingly, his life and legacy are being portrayed not once, but twice, as Slovak and Czech filmmaking teams are simultaneously working on biopics under the same title, Nepela.

One project, directed by Czech filmmaker Jakub Červenka (Talks with T.G. Masaryk [+leggi anche:
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scheda film]), focuses on 24 pivotal hours in Nepela’s life. Co-written by Červenka and Nina Morgenstein, the story follows the figure skater, who was closeted at the time, and portrays a young man grappling with personal and political pressures within the confines of Czechoslovakia’s restrictive regime. The film aims to underpin his struggle for freedom, both as an individual yearning for self-determination, and as someone seeking to live openly without fear of his sexual orientation being exposed and exploited by the regime. “Nepela is an auteur project we have been working on since 2018. It is a period film portraying a young man’s fight for personal freedom and self-determination. We believe his story remains relevant today, resonating not only with those who remember the era, but also with younger audiences,” producer Petr Kratochvíl told Cineuropa.

The role of Nepela is played by young Slovak actor Adam Kubala, while his coach, Hilda Múdra, is portrayed by Slovak actress Jana Nagyová (Prince Mama's Boy). The cast also includes Czech and Slovak actors Karel Dobrý, Cyril Dobrý, Roman Luknár, Miroslav Hanuš, Peter Bebjak, Eva Lehotská and Martina Jindrová. Key members of the creative team include cinematographer Martin Štrba (The Painted Bird [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Václav Marhoul
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intervista: Iveta Grófová
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The second biopic is being developed under Slovak producer Ivan Ostrochovský (Servants [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Ivan Ostrochovský
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In Gregovič´s version, Nepela is portrayed by Czech actor Josef Trojan (Charlatan [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Agnieszka Holland
scheda film]), while Slovak actress Zuzana Mauréry (The Teacher [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Jan Hřebejk
scheda film]) takes on the role of Hilda Múdra. The creative team includes Polish DoP Adam Suzin, who recently worked on Tereza Nvotová’s forthcoming drama Father, Slovak editor Roman Kelemen (The Sailor [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Albert Hospodářský
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intervista: Alexandra Makarová
scheda film]). Ostrochovský acknowledged the unique situation of two films being made simultaneously about Nepela, remarking, “It’s interesting that two creative teams have taken notice of Nepela’s story. In the near future, two films about him will be made. Nepela was such an extraordinary athlete that he certainly deserves two movies.” Valentovič´s film is scheduled for a local theatrical release in 2025.

Červenka’s Nepela is being co-produced on the Czech side by Bedna Films, Czech Television and PFX, and on the Slovak side by B Production and Novinski, while Slovak Television and Radio is in negotiations. The Czech Audiovisual Fund, Slovak Audiovisual Fund and Creative Europe – MEDIA supported the film. The domestic distributor is Continental Film.

Valentovič’s Nepela, meanwhile, is being produced by Punkchart Films and InFilm Praha, and co-produced by CinemArt. The Slovak Audiovisual Fund and Creative Europe – MEDIA supported the movie. CinemArt is the local distributor.