Gay hate jeopardised film about Serbia’s ‘lost’ generation
A film about the failings of Serbia’s education system for the country’s so-called ‘lost’ generation was nearly halted by homophobia among its young Belgrade cast, provocative director Stevan Filipović said.
The prominent Serbian director is no stranger to controversy, having received death threats and faced reprisals after the high-profile release of Skinning (Šišanje), his notorious portrayal of the rising threat of neo Nazis in Belgrade.
Even that could not prepare him for the prejudice and ignorance when casting a young gay role in his new film, Next to Me (Pored mene).
“Living in Serbia, I did expect problems with the teen gay roles in Next to Me, but nothing could have prepared me for what was in store,’ he told Wild Rooster.
Directors recognise talent of Serbian actor Marko Janketic
As a frontrunner in the new wave of Serbian actors, Marko Janketić has won the support of leading directors, as well as some of the most sought-after roles in recent high profile Balkan films and TV productions.
Marko has graced acclaimed films such as Circles (Krugovi), Skinning (Šišanje), White, White World (Beli, beli svet) and The Box, and his Belgrade stage roles have included classics and musical theatre.
Cinema audiences can currently see Marko in A Monument to Michael Jackson (Spomenik Majklu Dzeksonu), which has been wowing international film festival audiences.
A Monument to Michael Jackson, from director Darko Lungulov, will screen as a serious contender as Best Movie at London’s forthcoming Raindance Film Festival.
“This is a film about the small people from Serbia,’ said Marko, aged 30. “It is a comedy but with a social message and a human heart,’ said Marko.
Serbian Director Darko Lungulov Fronts London’s Balkan Cinema Showcase
Award-winning Serbian director Darko Lungulov will be at London’s Raindance Film Festival to celebrate the UK premiere of his latest lauded movie, A Monument to Michael Jackson (Spomenik Majklu Džeksonu).
International critics and festival audiences have praised this charming and socially cutting tale of a man’s attempt to revive the fortunes of his small Serbian town and rekindle the spark in his marriage by erecting a statue of the king of pop.
British audiences can make up their own minds when Darko comes to London to see his film screened as a serious contender in competition for the best movie award at London’s Raindance Film Festival (24 Sept – 5 Oct).
US-based Serbian director Darko Lungulov recently screened his film for Wild Rooster and discussed his motivation behind A Monument to Michael Jackson.
Monument to Michael Jackson wows film festivals
Michael Jackson is making a smash at international film festivals, this month, thanks to Serbian director Darko Lungulov.
The dead pop star was the talk of the Karlovy Vary and Pula festivals, for his pivotal title role in Darko’s new dark comedy, Monument to Michael Jackson.
Belgrade-born writer-director Darko Lungulov was widely awarded for his debut feature Here and There and his bittersweet Balkan comedy Monument to Michael Jackson (Spomenik Majklu Džeksonu) is already expected to pick up more gongs.
In a style that is quite familiar in Balkan cinema, this bittersweet comedy with its heart in the right place tells the fictional story of one man’s plan to make a difference for his town and to win back the love of his life.
