Slovakia angered by horror film

Hostel depicts Slovakia as a run-down, corrupt and brutal country

Slovakian officials have expressed concerns that hit film Hostel tarnishes the reputation of their country.

The horror movie, which topped the US box office charts, shows backpackers falling prey to a brutal torture ring at the hands of Slovakian women.

"I am offended by this film. I think that all Slovaks should feel offended," said MP Tomas Galbavy, a member of the parliamentary culture committee.

Eli Roth's film also shows locals speaking Czech rather than Slovak.

Ignorance

Mr Galbavy called Hostel, which was shot in the neighbouring Czech Republic, "this monstrosity that does not at all reflect reality" and added it would "damage the good reputation of Slovakia".

"We are unanimous in saying that this film damages the image of our country," said Linda Heldichova of the Slovak culture ministry.

The film, which was executive produced by Quentin Tarantino and cost less than $5m (£2.87m) to make, was shown unedited in Slovakia.

Roth has been invited to visit Slovakia

Roth said he selected Slovakia as a setting for the picture to show Americans' lack of knowledge.

"Americans do not even know that this country exists. My film is not a geographical work but aims to show Americans' ignorance of the world around them," he said.

Hostel has been described by Slovakian newspaper SME as showing the country as "a backward country, where our beautiful young girls are the lowest whores".

It has prompted the country's travel agency to invite Roth to see "the day-to-day reality" of life in Slovakia.

Local film distributor Itafilm said the film-maker has no plans to visit the country.

Roth is planning to make a sequel to Hostel, which is also expected to be filmed in the Czech Republic.