Chinese director Tian Tsering visited Zlín Film Festival for the second time. Few years ago, he won with his film Barley Fields on the other Side of the Mountains, this time he was a jury member. We knew nothing about him but wanted to get to know him and find something about his attitude and work. He was very modest and we liked his independent attitude.

Probably the most attractive foreign gust of Zlín Film Festival 2021 was an American film prod Bill Gerber. He not only managed various known bands such as DEVO, The Cars, Heaven 17, Scritti Politti etc but also produced such well received films such as Gran Torino, Very long engagement, JFK, You´ve got mail, A Star was born, Harry Potter to name but a few. His schedule in Zlín was very busy so we were grateful to Míla Řádová and director Markéta Pášmová for giving us a private space and few minutes for face to face interview.

American actress Susan Sarandon was born on 4. 10. 1946 in New York to big family with Irish- Welsh roots that bred eight more offsprings. Susan studied philosophy, maths and dramatic art at Catholic University in Washington. It was here where she met actor Chris Sarandon whom she married in 1967. Marriage broken up nine years later and Susan had a breakdown because of that. She gained her first acting experience in Theatre group Garrick Players. Film offered her the first role in 1970 in movie called Joe. Then she played in movies like Mortadela, The Front Page or The Great Waldo Pepper which were showed even in Czech cinemas during communism. Breaking point in her career came with movie Pretty Baby by French director Louis Malla, with who she had three years´ relationship. Part in Atlantic City brought her nomination for Oscar as well as Thelma and Louise and Lorenzo Oil. She had long relationship with actor and director Tim Robbins. For lead role in his film Dead Man Walking she received Oscar Award in 1995.

Susan Sarandon is not self-centered spoilt Hollywood star but thoughtful, socially active person. She actively fought for abolishing the death penalty and supports foundation which prevents starvation around the Globe.

Due to the fact that she is approachable person and always replies the autographs request we thought we could send her questions for article dedicated to her 75th birthday. She didn´t disappoint us and hand written replies came from New York within six months, which is almost unheard approach from current film stars. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mrs. Sarandon.

During Zlín Film Festival we met by pure accident a man whose face was in film journal that very morning. Olivier Pairoux, Belgian director, about who we have never heard before, who screened here his new film SpaceBoy. He was so friendly and enthusiastic that we swapped tickets and went to watch his movie. We liked it very much and found it so interesting that we asked him for interview. He and his mate Eusebio Larea were a dream to work with.

We have never heard the name of this photographer and director before Febiofest started. But we got interested how she transferred from photographer to director so applied for making interview with her. When we met her, we addressed her wrongly as Henry Kissinger to which she smartly answered that one letter in her surname could make her more famous. We hit it off straight away and it was pleasant time to spend with this amazing lady.