Behind the Scenes of ‘White Bird’: A Cinematic Journey in Prague

The film White Bird, which was filmed in Prague in early 2021, finally debuted in U.S. cinemas this past weekend, opening in over 1,000 locations. Star Gillian Anderson took to her social media accounts to share behind-the-scenes photos taken at Czech filming locations, celebrating the film’s release.

On Instagram, Anderson posted a selfie with Czech actor Marian Roden, who portrays the character Monsieur Lafleur in White Bird. Her feed also showcased a variety of behind-the-scenes shots, including sets, actors from the movie, and rat sculptures crafted by Kryštof Hošek for an exhibition at Prague’s Museum Kampa.

Further sharing on Facebook, Anderson posted additional behind-the-scenes photos from White Bird, including snapshots of Czech locales. She included pictures of her labradoodle, Stella, on location in Prague, along with a video of David Černý’s well-known peeing sculpture, Piss, at Kampa.

The movie, released as White Bird: A Wonder Story, had faced several delays before its theatrical release. Initially slated for a 2022 release, it was postponed to 2023 and premiered in July at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. It premiered earlier in select European territories, such as Germany, and was not expected to have a theatrical release in Czech cinemas.

White Bird serves as a prequel and spinoff of the 2017 film Wonder, presenting a WWII-era narrative featuring Anderson and Helen Mirren in prominent roles. While Wonder was set in modern-day New York, White Bird mostly unfolds in 1940s France, with Prague doubling as the period setting.

The plot follows Julian Albans, portrayed by Bryce Gheisar, the only returning cast member from Wonder. After being expelled from school, Julian’s grandmother, played by Mirren, recounts a story from her youth during the Second World War. The tale is centered on Sarah, Mirren’s character as a teenager, played by Ariella Glaser, who hides from Nazi persecution with the aid of a young boy acted by Orlando Schwerdt. Together, they find solace and love while his mother, played by Anderson, risks everything to ensure their safety.

Directed by Marc Forster and based on a screenplay by Mark Bomback, White Bird is adapted from the graphic novel by R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder. Filming took place across various Prague locations, including the village of Kněževes and several surrounding areas, with additional scenes shot in Kutná Hora, Grabštejn Castle outside Liberec, and other rural locations.

“I’d been wanting to come back to Prague for some time, having only visited briefly once before,” Anderson remarked during the filming process. “To be honest, I would have seen more of the city if there weren’t paparazzi outside the hotel every day. But perhaps if I come again it will be anonymously and I’ll have more of a chance to walk around your beautiful city.”