MATCHMAKING MAYOR

Director Erika Hníková / 2010 / Czech Republic/Slovakia

"On July 25, we'll be hosting a social gathering for single men and women... Maybe we can wake up your hormones." - Mayor Josef Gajdos

After bringing better roads, jobs and cable television to the eastern Slovak hamlet of Zemplínske Hámre, Burgomaster Jozef Gajdos, a retired general, turns his attention to marrying off the town's 70-odd bachelors and bachelorettes.

Having so far failed in his initiatives (which include encouraging childbearing via announcements over the local PA system) the mayor has resolved to organise a get-together where Slovak folk performers, among other things, will help sow the seeds of love.

Hníková has unearthed a goldmine of colourful characters for this endearing and comical documentary portrait of a town ruled by an overbearing but well-meaning general who's about to learn one lesson: the heart can't be commanded.

D/S Erika Hníková P Jiří Konečný WS OutCome L Slovak, Czech w/English subtitles TD 35mm/2010

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