When his ancestral home is slated for restitution, 80-year-old Stevan returns to his homeland to face family tensions, generational divides, and the absurdities of bureaucracy in this tenderly comic story, directed by Žilnik, a pioneer of the Yugoslav Black Wave.
In this gently comic and deeply human film, Stevan, an elderly jazz pianist, defies expectations of old age in the Balkans. Instead of simply preparing to die and leave his assets to the family, he enjoys romance, jam sessions with friends, and even hot air balloon rides, all while confronting the greed and corruption that took root during his absence. Žilnik’s documentary-style approach, blending actors and non-actors, captures the generational gap and the echoes of a complex history – from the Austro-Hungarian era to post-socialist Serbia.
With warmth and humour, the film celebrates the right of elderly people to live fully while reflecting on the struggles of ordinary people across generations and political regimes in Serbia. Embracing melodrama with nostalgic overtones and evocative musical moments, Žilnik is offering a comic yet profound look on life.
Visions of Europe returns for its 5th edition, celebrating the breadth of European cinema with a handpicked selection of new releases, previews, festival hits and classics returning to the big screen.
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