Zone of Interest: Childfree

synopsis

“We’re not going to have children” is a statement that stirs emotions, often provoking disappointment, disapproval and incomprehension. It can also cause anxiety for those who have to say it, having chosen a different path from the one expected of them. Through the personal accounts of several couples and individuals, this documentary explores the growing phenomenon of choosing not to have children. They speak openly about the reasons behind their decision and their belief that fulfilment in life can take many forms. What price do they pay for their choice in a world where parenthood is deeply ingrained as an essential part of a “normal” life? How much should other people’s expectations and ideas shape our lives? The film raises questions about changing family structures in the 21st century, freedom of choice in modern society and the many ways to lead a fulfilling life.

biography

Kateřina Krusová was born in 1978. She studied International Area Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University and documentary filmmaking at FAMU in Prague, where she graduated with the film Vzpomínka na snovídky. Her graduation film captures the memories of her elderly relative Jarmila Kučerová (1906–2002). A spirited woman from a Moravian village, she recounts the lives of her parents and siblings, who were affected by the First World War. Rich in telling details, her account of everyday rural life offers a distinctive contribution to oral history. Descriptions of cooking, washing clothes and scrubbing floors evoke the daily toil of earlier generations. The closing passage reflects a deep respect for nature as she recalls her father, who planted trees in 1919 and died shortly afterwards.

film details

director:	Kateřina Krusová
producer:	Martina Šantavá
photography:	Daniel Fencl
editing:	Adam Patyk
sound:	Petr Záruba, Martin Stýblo