Arms ready

Barbora Chalupová / Czech Republic / 2016 / World Premiere / 39 min.

synopsis

Firearms are a multifaceted phenomenon in contemporary society. For some they are a symbol of power, for others they represent certainty, and for others still they are a source of danger. Barbora Chalupová interviews gun owners and people interested in a gun permit, and explores the availability (both legally and illegally) of firearms in the Czech Republic. Her film makes partial use of the internet as an unconventional narrative tool, but is otherwise a typical interview-style documentary. The filmmaker also explores legal gray areas related to homemade weapons.

“You see, it’s more about finding out why to have one or not have one. A gun, I mean. Legal… Illegal… But maybe I am just protecting myself with this pilfered political manifesto, or creating an alibi for myself.“

biography

To Arms is a student film by second-year FAMU student Barbora Chalupová (1993). During her first year, she shot the reportage Thank You, Melónik (2014) about a man who practices an exotic breatharian diet. The film was nominated for the Magnesia Award for best student film.