‘MUSTANG’ is a short film about a young boy who is paraplegic but does whatever it takes to train hard and doing what he loves to do in his life and knows no limitations, playing hockey. We caught up with director Katerina Kuncicka with an interview on this film.
UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): Is the young boy your son in this short film?
(KK): No, Michal not my son. I discovered him in a charity video. I saw spark, love and great strength in his eyes. That’s why I decided to connect with his dad and in the and we became friends.
(UM): What was your purpose in creating this short film?
(KK): The film was shot in Nespresso talent competition. This year’s theme was Doing is everything. I am a complete beginner and I took the competition as a great opportunity.
(UM): How did the young boy overcome his limitations mentally to motivate
him in working hard to achieve his goals?
(KK): I think his family helps him a lot. The father decided to give his son a full-fledged childhood and the experiences that healthy children have when they are supported and loved. His mother says “Michal played hockey when she was pregnant” She regularly attended hockey matches of the Pardubice team and Michal was always very active in her belly.
(UM): What was the young boy’s thought when he watched this short film?
(KK): He was happy. He regularly attends acting camps with healthy children. It’s a great thing where he can also build self-confidence. One day he would like to become a sports commentator. He is currently preparing his block, where he will share his life and invite various guests to interview.
(UM): What’s the background behind the short film title ‘Mustang’?
((KK): The team that trains Michal para hockey is called the Pardubice Mustang. A mustang is a horse that is not fast, it is persistent. That fits Michal perfectly.
(UM): Could you explain the medals that were hanging in his room during the
beginning of the scene?
(KK): He has medals from all possible sports races and activities. Most of them participate with healthy children, with the help of adults. Unfortunately, there are not many activities for handicapped children in the Czech Republic. It’s getting better, but it’s going slow. A lot of parents are ashamed of their children’s disabilities, or they don’t know how to do it. That’s why Michal wants to share his experiences on social networks. So that others can find out about it and maybe even try it.
(UM): How long has the young boy played hockey?
(KK): He has been riding a sleigh since the age of five.
(UM): What is your biggest inspiration that made you want to create this
film?
(KK): My biggest dream is to make movies. I don’t have a film school and I’ve never done this job. I’m just learning everything. Somehow I had to start. Michal and my team helped me realize my dream.
(UM): Do you plan to share this to film festivals in the near future?
(KK): Yes, I entered him for a few other festivals. He did not succeed in the competition Nespresso talent, but I would be sorry if he did not reach at least some spectators. Already because of my great team and also because of Michal.
(UM): Any advice you would like to share to the world who watches this
film?
(KK): You can do anything
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