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Synopsis

The documentary portrays a few men and women who engage in extremely painful or highly unconventional forms of pleasure. During a hellish ritual, Fronema lets herself to be hung on hooks puncturing her back. Altair, a software engineer, takes pleasure in dressing in horse masks and harnesses, and likes to take part in a bizarre private “horserace.” Terezie is a staffer of the Green Party, but in her private life, she sometimes enjoys unusual erotic practices with a slave. The film documents her transformation during pregnancy and the birth of her child. An important secondary character is Aradia, who appeared in the TV show “Tabu” talking about her life as a domina, but ended up losing her job as a school teacher when she revealed her identity. Director David Calek presents the main characters of his film without any scandalous undertones or false moralizing. All are filmed in casual environments, comfortably discussing details of their unusual interests. They explain how their practices emerged, evolved, and how they impact the protagonists‘ coexistence with mainstream society. The film also refers to the historical contexts of the observed phenomena. It examines the post-totalitarian society which claims to be tolerant towards diverse minorities. It portrays “freaks” who might seem abnormal, but who are harmless and actually intriguing because they step outside the crowd. The documentary Heaven Hell is attentive and emphatic towards the people it depicts.

Wybrane nagrody i festiwale /Selected festivals and awards: 2010 – MFF Karlowe Wary/Karlovy Vary IFF, 2011 - East Silver Caravan