No. 68 (2023) #ANNAISMISSING Sept. 18th.

 

Film No. 68  (2023)  September 18th.  3:30 PM  KINO Cine, Prague, Czech Republic.  Cine 5.

 

"Dad, I've seen her on your phone. I'm scared" (Nina confronts her dad with her discovery).

NOMINEE: (Pavel Soukup) Young Film-makers submission, Prague.

Travelling in a country where big films are made by international studios can mean the local industry fades into obscurity. #ANNAISMISSING is a Prague production of the mystery/thriller variety and while it may well disappear into obscurity if it can't gain an international distributor, I can take pleasure in reporting I had a great time with this small, raw potboiler.

In plotline terms the title suggests social media will feature heavily. It does, and this aspect of the narrative is "massaged" well by first time feature director Pavel Soukup. His #MARYISDEAD TV series (one season) extends some of these ideas.

Nina (Alexandra Vostrejzova) is a follower of influencer Anna (Viktorie Vitova). Anna is a prolific poster, until she isn't. Nina, a teenager with spunk, becomes suspicious, and while so much of what follows is convenient, the red herrings and side stories help to build a believable enough space for Nina to follow her nose to a tight, unnerving ending. Flashbacks are a key to keeping total engagement for the audience. Soukup balances this technique well. 

The young performers carry #ANNAISMISSING.  Vitova is particularly strong as Anna. They showcase a vibrant Prague performing arts community. Hopefully an international festival run, in coming months, with give this film some oxygen.  8GUMS