Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, has been the backdrop for many films over the years. However, the latest project by renowned marketing creative and writer Andrej Csino stands out as truly exceptional. In his new short film titled „Bratislava – Secret Society,“ Csino immerses viewers in the unique atmosphere of the city, blending images with elements of poetry and gritty reality.
Known as bratislavsky_spisovatel on Instagram, Andrej Csino is a pioneer of city poetry, a genre that combines poetry or unconventional textual connections with photos of Bratislava. With „Bratislava – Secret Society,“ Csino aims to reveal the faces of the capital city using both poetic and raw language, often touching on the harsher aspects of life. The film delves into the impact of political hatred on city life, highlighting the role of Bratislava in revolutions and the ebb and flow of democracy.
The eleven-minute video uncovers the hidden poetry of the city through portraits of its inhabitants. From the story of Ukrainian refugee Yulia and her son, who experienced the horrors of war, to glimpses of inner-city blocks, urban legends, and ordinary human love, the film captures the essence of Bratislava. It also references buried toxic secrets in Vrakuna, a burned-down club on the Danube with a rainbow flag, and unconventional art created at the Cvernovka art center.
„This is all of us. The invisible world that needs to be brought to the surface, reminding us that Bratislava is a mix of beauty and roughness, gentleness and harsh reality. Hence, Secret Society,“ explains Andrej Csino.
Csino created the video entirely on his own, with the help of friends and acquaintances. Mária Gajdošíková contributed to the poetic passages used in the film, while Lucia Lišková assisted with selecting inner-city blocks, including one on Zelená street. The texts were narrated by Mária Gajdošíková, Lucia Hurajová, and Tomáš Palonder.
„I worked on this for five weeks, after work, whenever I had some free time. These are places that, in my opinion, embody the essence of the city and to which I have a connection,“ Csino revealed.
Csino made a mark on the city with his book „Prešporské legendy ožívajú,“ a collection of Bratislava legends that won the award for the Most Beautiful Book of Slovakia 2022. However, Bratislavans also know him as the author of city poetry, where he combines photos of Bratislava with poetry or unconventional textual connections.
„It’s an attempt to grasp the soul of the city. In my opinion, everything is about contexts, not just the places themselves. It’s my hobby, my self-therapy, my message to people who understand why,“ Csino explained.
In conclusion, „Bratislava – Secret Society“ offers a unique and multifaceted perspective on the capital city, blending poetry, raw reality, and the hidden stories of its inhabitants. Andrej Csino’s creative vision and dedication to capturing the essence of Bratislava make this short film a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the depths of urban life and culture.