When asking people who have been working with children’s film for a long time – longer than most of us – about their favourite movie memories, there’s a name that pops up surprisingly often. The Czech fairy-tale THREE WISHES FOR CINDERELLA (Václav Vorlíček, 1973) has made a deep impression on a whole generation of film enthusiasts and professionals. Now a new version is in the making.
The exact title might be disputed (some translations mention ‘three hazelnuts’, or ‘three nuts’) but the fact is that the film by Václav Vorlíček might just be the most popular Czech movie fairy-tale ever. It is watched every Christmas on TV by all generations, not only in Czech Republic but even in Norway, where currently a new version by director Cecilie Mosli is in its last stage of post-production.
Since her father’s death, the kind-hearted Cinderella lives with her cruel stepmother and spoiled step sister who treat her like a servant in her own house. During one of her daily escapes to the forest, Cinderella prevents a couple of men from hunting wild animals, amongst them the handsome prince of the kingdom. They immediately feel attracted to each other but he is expected to find a suitable bride at the next royal ball which Cinderella is not allowed to attend. Equipped with a great deal of courage and empowered by her three magical hazelnuts, she decides to stand up for herself and determine her own fate.
The new version (with Norwegian pop star Astrid S in the title role) is not only appealing to the nostalgia of the older generations, but also has the ambition to even strengthen the initial feminist tone, through its brave and courageous protagonist.
International sales: Sola Media. Find all info about the film here.