Detailed Description:
"78 Days" (Serbian: 78 dana) is a 2024 Serbian drama film directed by Emilija Gašić. This poignant film offers a unique and intimate perspective on the Kosovo War, as seen through the eyes of three young sisters – Sonja, Dragana, and Tijana – whose lives are disrupted when their father is drafted into the military.
The film, inspired by Gašić's own childhood experiences, blends elements of fiction and documentary, creating a hybrid narrative that captures the emotional turmoil and resilience of a family caught in the midst of conflict. "78 Days" is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of war, exploring themes of family, loss, hope, and the enduring power of human connection.
Plot Summary:
In 1999, as NATO bombs fall on Serbia, three sisters find their lives turned upside down when their father, Stefan, is conscripted into the military. Left with their mother, Nada, in their countryside home, the sisters – Sonja, Dragana, and Tijana – decide to create a video diary to document their daily lives and keep their father connected to their world.
Using a Hi8 video camera, they capture their everyday experiences – putting on makeup, picking cherries, playing games, and helping their mother cook. As the days turn into weeks, the camera becomes a confidante, a witness to their fears, anxieties, and hopes. The sisters' relationships are tested as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, first love, and the ever-present threat of war.
Through the lens of the camera, "78 Days" offers a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit, as the sisters find moments of joy and connection amidst the chaos and uncertainty of war.
Director's Vision:
Emilija Gašić's vision for "78 Days" was to create a film that captured the emotional reality of war, not through the lens of news reports or political discourse, but through the intimate experiences of a family. She wanted to explore the impact of conflict on children, highlighting their resilience, vulnerability, and capacity for hope. By blending fiction and documentary elements, Gašić sought to create a film that was both personal and universal, resonating with audiences who have experienced the effects of war, both directly and indirectly.
Themes:
Family and Resilience: The film celebrates the strength and resilience of family bonds, as the sisters support each other through the challenges of war and adolescence.
Loss and Hope: "78 Days" explores the themes of loss and hope, as the sisters grapple with the absence of their father and the uncertainty of their future, while still finding moments of joy and connection.
Coming-of-Age: The film captures the complexities of coming-of-age during wartime, as the sisters navigate first love, sibling rivalry, and the challenges of growing up in a world marked by conflict.
The Power of Memory: The video diary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of memory and the way it shapes our understanding of the past, present, and future.
The Human Cost of War: "78 Days" offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of war, highlighting the impact of conflict on individuals, families, and communities.
Key Success Factors:
Unique Perspective: The film's focus on the experiences of children during wartime offers a fresh and intimate perspective on the Kosovo War.
Hybrid Narrative: The blend of fiction and documentary elements creates a compelling and authentic narrative that blurs the lines between reality and representation.
Strong Performances: The young actresses who portray the sisters deliver natural and emotionally resonant performances, capturing the nuances of their characters' experiences.
Visual Authenticity: The film's use of Hi8 footage creates a sense of visual authenticity, immersing viewers in the world of the characters and the era.
Emotional Resonance: "78 Days" is an emotionally resonant film that explores universal themes of family, loss, and hope, connecting with audiences on a personal level.
Short Summary:
"78 Days" is a Serbian drama film that tells the story of three sisters who create a video diary to document their lives and stay connected to their father while he is away fighting in the Kosovo War.
Awards, and Nominations (IMDB): 11 wins & 5 nominations
Cyprus Film Days (2024): Glocal Images Best Film Award
Palić European Film Festival (2024):
Golden Tower (Best Film)
Gorki List Audience Award
Vancouver International Film Festival (2024): Vanguard Award
Critical Reception:
"78 Days" has received positive reviews from critics, who have praised its unique perspective, hybrid narrative, and strong performances. The film has been lauded for its emotional resonance and its ability to capture the complexities of coming-of-age during wartime.
Production Summary:
"78 Days" was produced by Set Sail Films.
Distribution & Sales Summary:
The film's world rights are handled by Lights On.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13168204/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/455701/
About movie: https://www.lightsonfilm.com/78days.html
Link to watch: https://www.filmin.es/pelicula/78-days (Spain)
Why You Should Watch This Movie:
Experience a Unique Perspective on War: "78 Days" offers a fresh and intimate look at the Kosovo War through the eyes of children.
Witness the Resilience of the Human Spirit: The film showcases the strength and resilience of a family facing the challenges of war and separation.
Connect with Emotionally Resonant Characters: The film's relatable characters and their personal journeys will resonate with audiences on an emotional level.
Appreciate the Blend of Fiction and Documentary: The film's hybrid narrative creates a compelling and authentic portrayal of life during wartime.
Reflect on the Impact of Conflict: "78 Days" prompts viewers to reflect on the human cost of war and the enduring power of hope and connection.
Final Verdict:
"78 Days" is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on the Kosovo War and its impact on families and individuals. With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and emotional resonance, it is a must-watch for those seeking a film that explores the complexities of human experience during times of conflict.
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