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A grandfather who has withdrawn into silence. Three children in search of light. A garden that blossoms through the power of storytelling. All this – and much more – is “Tales from the Magic Garden”, the delicate animated film co-directed by David Súkup, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar and Jean-Claude Rozec, competing in the Elements +6 section at the #GiffoniFilmFestival 2025.
This co-production between the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia takes us on an 85-minute journey through memory, emotion and imagination. The protagonists are Tom (4 years old), Susan (8) and Derek (10), who visit their grandfather for the first time since the loss of their beloved grandmother. What welcomes them is a house full of silence and a man who seems to have forgotten how to smile. But it is Susan, inspired by her grandmother’s tales, who rekindles the spark: she becomes the narrator of enchanted stories capable of mending the threads of a broken bond. Thus are born tender and imaginative characters: a mysterious cat, a monster that isn’t scary, a man who dares to fly. Each story is a small balm, a bridge between pain and hope. «Stories help us return to reality, even when it’s very difficult», say the directors. And this film proves it with sweetness and poetry. Born from a long process of writing and animation, and inspired by the melancholic yet luminous spirit of Arnošt Goldflam’s writings, “Tales from the Magic Garden” is a tale about processing grief, the importance of imagination and how memories can become safe havens.
The young #jurors of Giffoni didn’t hesitate to be enchanted by the screening in Sala Lumière:
«I loved it for the authors’ creativity and the visuals: it all looked like it was made of clay!» – said an enthusiastic Miriam Tedesco from Vietri sul Mare. «There are so many stories together, all full of emotion. I was touched when the protagonist made his grandfather feel happy. That’s something that can really happen!» – added Bianca Santoro Longo from Bari. «I really like stories with animals as the main characters, especially when they’re being cared for» – shared Tommaso Zecchino from Salerno. Through the unmistakable magic of stop-motion, this film also speaks gently to adults. It reminds us that, deep down, you’re never too old to believe in stories. Because stories save us. Always.