documentary 18’ Slovakia 2023
House of Velvet is a short film that follows a day in the life of the Kiki House of Velvet members. Scattered moments from their everyday experiences in the outside world dissolve when everyone meets again in the safety within their chosen family. Scripted scenes merged with authentic and lived experiences of the characters show how the ballroom culture intertwines with their lives & vice versa.
Cast & Crew
Directors & Writers: Ivana Hucíková, Igor Smitka
Starring: Laguna Velvet, Marta Velvet, Ondro Velvet
Producers: Monika Lošťáková, Simona Hrušovská
Cinematographer: Dušan Husár
Music: Mikuláš Příhoda, Jan Licek
Festivals & Awards
Mezipatra Czech Queer FF
Slovak Queer FF
Ivana Hucíková
Ivana Hucíková is a writer and director based out of Bratislava. In 2017 she co-directed and edited the short documentary Into My Life (Tribeca Film Festival, HotDocs, Camden, FestCurtas, POV shorts). Ivana's work revolves around themes and stories about identity, belonging or ways of searching for personal liberation with special attention to feminist and queer issues.
Igor Smitka
Igor Smitka is a Slovak cinematographer & director working in film & advertisement. He uses film as a tool of empowerment that gives him the possibility to tell the stories of interesting individuals or minorities who otherwise would remain unheard / unseen. His film Comfort Zone won several awards. He won best photography at Fashion Film festival Milano with experimental short Rite of Spring.
