Four cartoon superheroes posing in a gym: a green hero with arms crossed, an orange caped hero standing in the center, a blue hero sitting on a bench, and a red hero holding a piece of paper. The background shows a stylized yellow gym interior with weights.

Short documentary

One World for Families

Better Man

(Lepší člověk)

Behind the big biceps and six-pack abs lie the painful stories of three young males who use dumbbells to fight a struggle that is mostly with themselves.

Better Man is an animated documentary film exploring the phenomenon of bodybuilding and the relationship fitness-minded men have with their own bodies, because even superheroes have moments of insecurity. As their muscles grow, so do their own self-doubts. Haunted by their childhood traumas –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from bullying and self-loathing to domestic abuse –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ three adolescent boys find refuge at the gym. But are muscles enough for them to truly be happy?

Basic information about the film

TitleBetter Man
Original LanguageCzech
Subtitles
Film typeShort documentary
Year of Production2025
Country of OriginCzech Republic
Length6 min.
Tags
Director Eliška Jirásková
Sales FAMU
Petra Horká
petra.horka@famu.cz

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