Writing Home
A tiny bark beetle lives in the forest. When a fire breaks out, she gets separated from her family. Lost and alone, she has to face the world on her own.
A beautiful hand-drawn animation about a young bark beetle forced to start over after a forest fire destroys her home and separates her from her family. Taking refuge in a human school, she discovers an unexpected talent for writing and a new sense of purpose. When she finally finds her way back home, she brings her newfound knowledge with her, becoming the first bark beetle teacher. The film is inspired by the successful novel by Aneta Holasová.
SCREENINGS
Sunday 8 November 11:00 (Little Big Stories)
Age: 3+
Programme section(s): Little Big Stories
Original title: O lýkožroutce | Year: 2024 | Runtime: 12′
Country: Czechia | Language: – | Subtitles: –
Director: Eva Matejovičová | Production: Jiří Sádek, Kristýna Žďárská – CoFilm; FAMU | Screenplay: Eva Matejovičová | Editing: Savva Dolomanov | Music: Juras Karaka | Animation: Eva Matejovičová
FESTIVALS & AWARDS (SELECTION)
Zlín Film Festival, 2024 – Hermína Týrlová Award | FEST, New Directors/New Films Festival, 2024 – Best film | Anifilm, 2024 | IndieLisboa, 2024 | Fest Anča, 2024 | Giffoni Film Festival, 2024 | Fantoche International Animation Film Festival, 2024 | Cinekid, 2024 | Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film, 2025 | Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, 2025 | FIFEM, 2025 | Greenmotions Film Festival, 2025 – Kids Film Award
DIRECTOR’S BIO
Eva Matejovičová graduated from Václav Hollar High School and FAMU – Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. She is currently in the second year of the Master’s programme in Animation at FAMU. Her film Sanctuary (2021) was awarded Best Slovak Animated Short Film at Fest Anča. While at school, she works on animation and art commissions, as well as with animals for non-profit organisations.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
I found Miss Holasová’s book when I first moved to Prague and immediately fell in love with the story and artwork. A few years later, when I had to come up with an idea for my bachelor’s film, my mind travelled back to this simple little book. From the beginning, I knew I wanted the film to be silent, with the exception of a few carefully chosen written words, since it is, after all, a film about writing. It is a film about the importance of education and overcoming the hardships of life.
