jana Plodková on Surrogacy, czech Cinema, and the Challenges of Modern Filmmaking
In a candid interview with Spotlight Aktualne.cz, acclaimed Czech actress Jana Plodková opened up about her thoughts on surrogate motherhood, the state of Czech cinema, and her personal journey in the film industry. The conversation, available in both video and podcast formats, delved into her role in a new series exploring substitute motherhood, her views on the ethical dilemmas surrounding surrogacy, and her reflections on the evolving landscape of Czech film.
Surrogacy: A Personal Viewpoint
Plodková’s role in the series portrays a woman who, after struggling with infertility, turns to surrogate motherhood. While she empathizes with couples who choose this path, she admits it’s not something she would personally consider. “It goes beyond me because it’s against nature. When my body was not able to conceive, it is indeed just that way,” she shared.
However,she acknowledged that her perspective might shift if her daughter ever asked for her help in such a situation. “I think the mother always does the maximum for her daughter, and if it was her great wish, there would be a barrier,” she said. Yet, she remains uncertain about extending the same support to others, noting, “I would definitely say no, but it depends on the situation, it is indeed tough to say from the table.”
The State of Czech Cinema
The conversation also touched on the challenges facing Czech film production. While Plodková is a celebrated figure in the industry, she expressed concern about the over-reliance on romantic comedies that frequently enough fail to innovate.“Often there is a feeling that if one comedy succeeds, we can go on, but of course it does not work,” she explained.
Despite this, she highlighted the success of Jiří Mádl’s historical film Waves, which topped box office charts last year and earned an Oscar nomination.“Jirka (Mádl) managed to connect a very deep sensitive theme with the modern concept of a film that has a big slope,” she said. However, she remains skeptical about its ability to shift the industry’s trajectory. “But I think it will not turn the optics. Of course, I would like it to the Czech film,” she added.
Key Topics from the Interview
The interview covered a wide range of subjects, from Plodková’s personal views on surrogacy to her thoughts on the future of Czech cinema. Below is a summary of the main topics discussed:
| Timestamp | Topic |
|—————|———–|
| 00:08-06:29 | Plodková’s thoughts on surrogate motherhood and her connection to her character Eva. |
| 06:29-09:41 | Her role in Extraordinary State and her views on misinformation. |
| 09:41-14:05 | How she chooses roles and her favorite films. |
| 14:05-17:20 | The current state of Czech cinema and the impact of Waves. |
| 17:20-21:00 | The challenges of the acting world and her support for Ukraine. |
Watch the Full Interview
For a deeper dive into Plodková’s insights, you can watch the full interview here.
Plodková’s reflections offer a unique glimpse into the complexities of surrogate motherhood, the struggles of modern filmmaking, and the personal challenges of navigating an ever-changing industry. Her honesty and depth make this interview a must-watch for fans and critics alike.
