Paradise on Earth

In 1863, a young boy named Benedict sets out on a journey sent by his family, joining 83 Czech and German settlers from the village of Stod in the Pilsen region. Leaving the only world he has ever known, he faces a long and perilous voyage across the ocean to the far side of the world. In the wild and almost mythical landscape of New Zealand, shaped by raw nature and Māori tribes, he searches not only for a better life but for his own place within it. Through Benedikt’s eyes, we witness the courage, struggles, and resilience of those who left their homeland to build the settlement of Puhoi. This is both a chronicle of migration and a coming-of-age story of loss, growth, and the search for home in a place where none existed. Puhoi still stands as a testament to their faith, solidarity, and the quiet imprint of a boy forced to grow up far too soon.

Director’s statement
Our film reveals the untold story of the first Czech settlers in New Zealand, whose journey became a unique intersection of Czech, German, and Māori history. It explores a little-known chapter of 19th-century Czech emigration, addressing timeless themes of identity, cultural encounter, and the hope of a new beginning. Its creative distinctiveness lies in 3D animation for adult audiences, avoiding a cartoon style and emphasizing atmosphere, symbolism, and visual integrity. The visual style is still being explored, combining 3D CGI with watercolor influences and 19th-century oil painting, inspired by Gottfried Lindauer, a Czech-born painter renowned for his detailed portraits of Māori, capturing both likeness and cultural dignity. The stylized environment evolves with the narrative: the dark, imposing wilderness gradually softens into harmonious, painterly compositions, reflecting the settlers’ journey from an unfamiliar land to a home they can finally call their own.