OSTRAVA - IN SEARCH FOR THE BLACK STEEL HEART OF CHECH REPUBLIC
by FELIX SCHNETZER (text) and JAN MICHALKO (photos)
SYNOPSIS
Ostrava used to be the pride of chech socialism. Today Ostrava is an industrial town without industry. As a new member of the European Union, the city is struggling with ecological, economical and social problems. But the "black steel heart" is still pounding: The communist and industrial past is still present, young and creative people appreciate the raw energy and the unique atmosphere of this lively city. Ostrava is an important but nonetheless forgotten piece of the chech identity.
CONTENT
This report connects different stories to one context: The picture of a changing city, that is symptomatic for many cities in Eastern Europe today.
Different people with either industrial, social or artistic background are portrayed, people who played an important role in the "ancient" Ostrava as well as people who shape the "new" city, who discover opportunities and fight to make a change.
The connection between all these stories is made through the "search for the black steel heart": due to its productivity and geological ressources, Ostrava used to be called "black steel heart" during communism, not to forget the black coal dust all over the city. This past is still alive and this productivity is still to be found, even if it shows in different ways.
PORTRAITS
A YOUNG ARTIST is talking about his childhood during communism as well as chances of the new city.
AN OLD ENGINEER used to work in a leading position of the communist coal and steel company, he is describing a totally different view.
A SOCIAL WORKER was born in india and once came to Ostrava via Russia. He is a driving force in different social projects concerning the large gipsy community.
A YOUNG MUSICIAN is involved in drum-and-bass-music as well as graffity art.
A BRITISH ARTIST uses this inspiring background for industrial art. He chose Ostrava as his new home.
AN ARCHITECT is head of a group that developpes different models for the new use of old industrial sites.
A LEGENDARY OLD ARTIST shaped the picture of Ostrava like noone else.