What About Petey?

Documentary film about autism and family

Writer-Director Martin Trabalík

Camera Martin Trabalík

Music Petr Mazoch

Producers Jan Bodnár, Jan Hubáček

Editing Matěj Beran

Sound Petr Kačírek, Šimon Hermann

Dramaturgy Ivo Bystřičan, Ivana Pauerová Miloševič

About film

The film What About Petey? is the second feature-length documentary by director Martin Trabalík. After the sudden death of his wife, the main protagonist, Petr Jochec, must take on the care of his two teenage children: daughter Vanesa and son Petr, who lives with a severe autism spectrum disorder. The widowed father, who previously spent much of his time working away from home, now must manage the family entirely on his own. While many fathers in such situations walk away, Mr. Jochec chooses to face this challenge head-on and engages in a daily struggle—from devoted caregiving and securing the family’s finances to the day-to-day upkeep of the household. The film captures the Jochec family’s efforts to live a normal life, explores where the boundaries of love and parenthood lie, and shows how each member copes with this new and difficult reality.

The documentary also addresses often-overlooked issues such as the social support system and the lives of caregivers, but above all it highlights the strength of human bonds in challenging times. This feature by Martin Trabalík—who himself worked for several years as a personal assistant—is a realistic exploration of life at the brink of social, physical, and emotional endurance.

Additional information about the film, media materials, a list of screenings, and a link to the accompanying podcast can be found on the film’s official website.

The film can also be followed on Instagram and Facebook.