Drama

Slovakia / Czech Republic, 2024, 93 min

Director: Katarína Gramatová
Screenplay: Katarína Gramatová
Camera: Tomáš Kotas
Actors: Michal Záchenský, Eva Mores, Jana Oľhová, Adam Šuniar, Dominik Vetrák, Július Oľha, Attila Mokos

Promise, I’ll Be Fine is the feature-length debut of two young filmmakers from Košice – producer Igor Engler and director Katarína Gramatová. The film, inspired by real events from Slovakia’s so-called “hunger valleys,” seeks to show how growing up in a harsh, neglected environment shapes a young person’s character and decisions. It was filmed in the village of Utekáč, the real home of the boys – non-actors – whom the director cast in the leading roles.

The story follows 15-year-old Enrique, who is growing up with his grandmother in a remote Slovak village. His mother, Martina, works in a bigger city and returns home only occasionally. Enrique spends his summer days riding mopeds with his friends. His carefree life is disrupted by a shocking discovery about his mother – the woman he believed to be kind and honest is not who he imagined. He is faced with a choice: accept his mother’s values or find a better path.

The film had its European premiere on September 25, 2025, at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. It has strong international potential – its authentic portrayal of coming-of-age on the periphery has already attracted the attention of major festivals, helping to further raise the profile of Slovak cinema.