Uplifting story
The film in question is called ‘Vratné lahve’ (Returnable Bottles). It’s the heart-warming story of an isolated and embittered retiree who, after finding a job in an Albert supermarket, is able to reconnect to a world that he thought had forsaken him.
The film stars Czech actor and popular playwright, Zdenek Sverák, who also wrote the script, while his son, Jan Sverák, directed it. The well-known father-and-son duo work together regularly and have a large international following. They won an Oscar for best foreign-language film in 1996 for their motion picture ‘Kolja’ (Kolya).
Open for business?
Vratné lahve was filmed in close cooperation with Albert in the Czech Republic. Much of the movie was set inside a new store in Prague that hadn’t yet opened to the public. “The illusion was perfect,” says director, Jan Sverák. “The commotion around the set left people in the neighbourhood puzzled. Often, customers would ask to be let into the store during shooting. They couldn’t understand why the doors were closed when it appeared to be business as usual at the store.”
Hands-experience
In order to prepare for his role in the film, Zdenek Sverák gained hands-on experience by working in an Albert supermarket, collecting empty bottles returned by customers.
“The illusion was perfect. The commotion around the set left people in the neighbourhood puzzled. ”
Zdenek Sverák says that the store chain itself plays a very important part in the film. “In our story, the supermarket plays a very positive role indeed. It is the place where the retired protagonist finds a new job and re-integrates with the people around him,” he says.
For the last two years, customers have voted Albert the top supermarket chain in the country and it was delighted to feature in Sverák’s film. Albert launched a major promotional campaign to coincide with the film’s premiere on in March featuring in-store materials, radio and television advertisements. Customers also had the chance to win a range of prizes including a private cinema party for 50 people.