The Avalon Theatre will feature Czech helmer Alice Nellis' film Seven Ravens (Sedmero krkavců). The fairytale focuses on a girl who who decides to save her brothers from a curse which was brought upon them by their mother.

Seven Ravens | Sedmero krkavců

2015, 97 min., in Czech with English subtitles    

Directed by: Alice Nellis    

The film is a tale of courage, strong will, the power of language and true love. The heroine, a girl named Bohdanka (Martha Issová), is born to a grief-stricken family of a baker, whose wife cursed their seven sons in an outburst of rage many years ago and turned them into ravens. The parents keep this tragedy a secret from Bohdanka. On the cusp of adulthood, Bohdanka learns about the family curse and decides to save her brothers. A local witch advises her to sew shirts for them. But not just any shirts—she has to pick nettles, process the fibers into fabric, and make every stitch herself. The girl sets out on a long journey to fulfill her mission and along the way she meets a stuttering prince who just might capture her heart. Will she save her brothers and in turn secure her own happiness? 

The film is primarily based on a story by famed Czech writer Bozena Němcová.

Awards: The film received Czech Lion Awards for Best Costumes, Best Set Design, and Best Makeup (2015).    

The film is part of the Mutual Inspirations Festival 2016 - Martina Navrátilová, honoring leading women such as director Alice Nellis, who have made a strong impact in their profession.   

About the Director: Alice Nellis is one of the top female directors from the Czech Republic. She initially studied flute at the Prague Conservatory and English and American Literature at Charles University. She also studied screenwriting at FAMU in Prague but did not complete her studies. For a period of time, she worked as a web designer, teacher, actress, and translator. In 2000, she directed and wrote her first feature Eeny Meeny (Ene bene, 2000). She won a Czech Lion for Best Screenwriting and the Critics’ Award for her film Some Secrets (Výlet, 2002). Other successful films include Little Girl Blue (Tajnosti, 2007), Mamas & Papas (2010), and Revival (2013). 

View the film trailer: https://vimeo.com/164142469

Tickets are available at the box office. They will also be available soon at www.theavalon.org.