Culture

Czech inmates become luthiers to tune back into society

Odolov, Czech Rep., Jul 26 (EFE/EPA).- (Camera: Martin Divisek) A Czech prison has turned dozens of inmates into luthiers to help them pass the time, learn a job that will ease their reintegration into society, and provide good quality instruments to young music students in the process.The Odolov prison, in the north east of the Czech Republic, keeps roughly 300 low and medium threat level inmates with sentences usually of under a year.FOOTAGE OF THE PRISON OF ODOLOV, OF DAVID GIÑA, INMATE, IN THE CENTER AND MAKING VIOLINS AND OF GUARD PAVEL STANEK, PLAYING THE VIOLIN.SOUNDBITES AND TRANSLATIONS OF:DAVID GIÑA, INMATE:3: 52- 4:01 They took away my driving license. And then I was caught several times driving without it.4: 01- 4:16 I am very happy to work here. I am very happy with what I do.Now I build a viola. I make the cover, I usually make instruments, I fix them.4: 16- 4:27 The atmosphere is good. I don't have the impression of being a criminal. Here you forget where you are.4: 27- 4:42 The workshop has changed my life. I could not imagine that I could make instruments, fix them. I am very surprised by this in a prison.4: 42-4: 52 My dream is to continue dedicating myself to this. We will see what reality brings us. PAVEL STANEK, GUARD:4: 52-5: 12 I used to make a living from music, but here it is not possible to do so if you have a large family, especially in Prague.5:12 - 5:19 There isn't much to choose from here, and I opted for prison.5: 19- 5:32 The most difficult thing was insecurity, not knowing where you are going. But I trusted people and, above all, mine.5:32 -5: 40 I thought it would be the end of music, but it was the opposite. Now I play a lot more. DAVID GIÑA:5: 40-5: 49 I miss my family.5:49 - 5:57 They need me at home. Children need their father.5: 57- 6:16 We have not seen each other in 8 months due to the coronavirus. But this weekend I will see all my children, my mother and brothers. It was 8 months of hell.6:16 - 6:24 Better not think about them so much, because it would drive me crazy.6:24 - 6:29 In the workshop you completely forget that you are here in a prison.6:29 - 6:38 Violins are a challenge. A new challenge every time. I dedicate myself entirely to it.PAVEL STANEK:6:38 - 6:46 I went to Spain many times to play. Because it is a very beautiful country.6:46 - 6:55 I was in Cádiz, Pamplona, ??El Escorial, Santiago de Compostela ..