An Interview with Sylva Šafková Choreographer of Award Winning Film “THROUGH GLASS”

THROUGH GLASS is a captivating dance film from Prague that was selected as the winner of the 2021 Pick Of The Fest Award at our 5th Annual Film Festival in November!

dance film THROUGH GLASS 420PEOPLE Dance Company, director Marek Partyš, choreographer Sylva Šafková,

The dance film THROUGH GLASS by 420PEOPLE Dance Company, directed by Marek Partyš and choreographed by Sylva Šafková, combines contemporary dance and a visual story that describes the image of distorted reality: “Reflections, angles of view, distorted reality... but if you hold it against a mirror, the letters will go again in the right direction.“

“From the shot variations to the connection to the music and its magical sense of inquiry. This film had beautiful choreography from duos to trios to a play with lighting and even the mysterious mirror vortex. Taking us from one world into another, opening the doors of perception.” - Olivia Mia Orozco

The contemporary dance group 420PEOPLE, named after the Czech country code, was founded by Václav Kuneš and Nataša Novotná. The company has now been a stable player on the Czech and international theatre and dance scene for 14 years.

Award Winning 420People Choreographer Sylva Šafková — **We Had The Pleasure Of Interviewing Choreographer Sylva Šafková!**

As a choreographer at 420PEOPLE Dance Company was “Through Glass” made in response to live performances being canceled in 2020?

Yes, at the moment when the government banned theatrical performances and other mass events, I suddenly found myself without the possibility of creative creation for the audience in the traditional theatrical form. Luckily the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic saw this problem and announced a grant to support digital media. This grant enabled me to create a dance film together with the support of 420PEOPLE dance company. Support came also from the director Marek Partyš, who I invited to collaborate, together with the production company Bistro Films he often works for.

Were there any huge differences between setting choreography for film rather than for the stage?

It's a big difference to create a choreography for a film, one has to think on a different level. The movie is much faster. Together with the dancers, I created about 20 minutes of material for a 7 minute film.

How was the collaborative process?

I presented my project to the experienced film director Marek Partyš. We then searched for locations and consulted ideas. At the same time, I worked with dancers on the movement material and talked a lot about the specific moods that the camera should capture. It was my first experience with a film.