19/12/2023 - The family adventure-drama follows a courageous group of children as they navigate treacherous war-torn landscapes to rescue a downed French pilot

Slovak-born, Czech-based television director Jan Sebechlebský is bracing to commence shooting on the World War II family adventure-drama Silent Mail. Known for his acclaimed Slovak TV series Secret Lives, which garnered awards in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Sebechlebský has co-adapted the script for Silent Mail from the short story of the same name by Jiří Stránský. The story, developed in collaboration with the author's daughter, Klára Formanová, is inspired by true events. Silent Mail follows a group of children who discover a downed French pilot, Pierre, and embark on a mission to rescue him. The children decide to transport the pilot to a hospital based on a principle similar to Chinese whispers, known in the Czech Republic as “silent mail”, from village to village. Their journey is fraught with danger as they navigate through the challenges posed by the occupying German army, traitors, informers and the harsh winter conditions in the mountains. The film will depict their perilous adventure, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of its young heroes.

Sebechlebský, discussing his rationale for choosing to create a film that combines elements of a children's adventure and a period drama with contemporary relevance, stated: “The movie is a narrative about children's empathy, rebellion, joy, courage and hope during a period when survival occasionally hinges on mere chance. It portrays a scenario where children, in defiance of the adult world, undertake a mission to save someone. Given the current global context, where kids are increasingly exposed to the ramifications of war, I believe such narratives are essential.” Principal photography is scheduled to commence in February 2024 and conclude in March that year, with filming locations including places in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The picture’s Czech producer Julietta Sichel, of 8Heads Production, noted, “The foundation of this film was an exceptional short story, which has been transformed into a high-quality screenplay. We aim to create a distinctive family film, the likes of which have not been seen in recent times, reminiscent of classic flicks such as Krakonos and the Skiers (1980) and Boys Will Be Boys (1975).”

Currently, the casting process for child actors is under way. The adult cast features Slovak and Czech professionals such as Matěj Hádek (Restore Point [+see also:
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Silent Mail is being produced by Julietta Sichel, of 8Heads Production (Czech Republic), and Silvia Panáková, of ARINA Film Production (Slovakia), and is being co-produced by Czech Television, Radio and Television Slovakia and Barrandov Studio. The Czech Film Fund, the Slovak Audiovisual Fund and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic have supported the film. CinemArt will handle the theatrical release in both countries on 25 February 2025.