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.
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.
Time has come for the Nation of Tesla
Nikola Tesla’s legacy is woefully undervalued and his influence on future generations deserves to be more widely recognised and remembered worldwide.
That is the strongly held view of award winning Serbian filmmaker Zeljko Mirković, who plans to cement the man’s influence in The Nation of Tesla, a film about the role of Serbs in the great American story (www.OptimisticFilm.com).
“Tesla is not taken as seriously as he should be, especially in America and outside of Serbia,’ the documentary director told Wild Rooster.
“Tesla stands for freedom of ideas, freedom of mind and endless possibilities to make Earth better for all people.
“He fought for free energy and for free communication, both of which are important parts of true freedom, but most people are unaware of his ongoing and significant impact on their lives.”
Vasko Lipovac cyclists on display in London
As the British leg of the Tour de France becomes a faint memory, the sight of one group of brightly coloured cyclists still lights up the City of London, thanks to the Croatian Embassy and the British-Croatian Society.
Unveiled by the Croatian Ambassador to London Ivan Grdesic as part of Broadgate’s Summer of Sport, the Cyclus display shows a group of adults and children enjoying the thrill of the road.
At first glance, these plump and rounded riders by award-winning artist Vasko Lipovac are not the usual sporty type.
But a closer look shows them to be full of life and real character.
Fans of Lipovac’s work will be very familiar with his work, although most Londoners will be pleased simply by the smiles that these sculptures evoke.
