26/07/2023 - The unique craft of traditional Czech puppetry is showcased in the sequel, which was shot in authentic locations, such as forests, meadows and a quarry

Czech director Radek Beran is currently busy editing the sequel to his puppet film, Little Man. The original movie, drawn from the book The Little Man's Great Journey by Lenka Uhlířová and Jiří Stach, charts the adventure of the eponymous little man. After experiencing an unusual dream of a cottage bearing the inscription “You will find here what you are missing,” he sets off on a journey, encountering an array of both benevolent and malevolent forest creatures on his path. The journey ultimately serves as an allegory for overcoming loneliness and forging friendships, enveloped within the genre of a road movie.

The forthcoming instalment delves into the importance of family ties and the unadulterated, selfless viewpoint of a child. The story grapples with a topical issue: the use of fear as a manipulative tool. The narrative unfurls gradually, revealing the erosion of freedom and the burgeoning awareness of the need to resist manipulation and false news. Little Man 2 will also be characterised by its distinct technique of on-screen, live-action puppeteering using strings and rods, albeit filmed on location.

The sequel maintains the distinctive fusion of the natural world and powerful artistic design that characterised the visual aesthetic of the original film. Czech puppeteer František Antonín Skála, who was art director on the first film, returned for the sequel. His work underscores the tradition of Czech and Slovak puppetry, a craft that has been acknowledged on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The script was written by Lumír Tuček and Radek Beran. Work on the sequel commenced as early as 2015, immediately following the premiere of the first film. Filming took place from March to April 2023, with scenes shot in forests, meadows, and a quarry near Prague. The original cast, including Saša Rašilov, Barbora Poláková, Pavel Liška, Miroslav Táborský, and Miroslav Krobot, will return to provide the voices for the puppets. Music will once again be composed by Milan Cais, a member of the Czech band Tata Bojs.

A significant change took place behind the scenes, with Jan Baset Střítežský, known for Little Crusader [+see also:
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According to the producers, the sequel aims to deliver a more focused narrative, couched in the enticing genre of a family adventure. The emphasis lies on visually evocative storytelling, which is expected to be achieved through more liberated camera movement, improved coordination with puppet action, and a more relaxed composition of shots.

Little Man 2 is being produced by Jakub Červenka of Czech production outfit Bedna Films, and co-produced by Czech Television. The Czech Film Fund supported the film. Bontonfilm handles the domestic theatrical release, with a premiere set for 7 December 2023.