croatian films – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

TRACES – Review by Amber Wilkinson

December 28, 2023December 31, 2023 Amber Wilkinson croatian films, Dubravka Turic, Marija Skaricic, traces

Croatia’s Oscar submission is a subtle meditation on past influences in the life of an anthropologist. Anthropologist Ana (Marija Skaricic) is herself studied intensely by Dubravka Turic’s low-key examination of grief and moving on. Though the traces of the title refer directly to Ana’s area of interest – ancient grave inscriptions and rituals – Turic’s debut film is infused with a multitude of additional echoes from the past and whispers from the future. Those willing to fall into step with Turic’s rhythms will find themselves rewarded.

Reviews

THE UNCLE – Review by Nadine Whitney

October 3, 2023October 9, 2023 Nadine Whitney Andrija Mardešić, croatian films, David Kapac, Miki Manojlović, Stric, The Uncle

In David Kapac and Andrija Mardešić’s debut feature The Uncle (Stric) almost every day is Christmas, and every day is a living hell. What appears to be the eighties in Yugoslavia with a bickering family readying a Christmas feast for a visiting Uncle (Miki Manojlović) soon arriving from Germany to celebrate with them reveals itself to be something far less cheery than a yearly family get together.

Reviews

MURINA – Review by Diane Carson

July 12, 2022July 16, 2022 Diane Carson Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, croatian films, Danica Curcic, Gracija Filipovic, Hélène Louvart, Leon Lucev, martin scorsese, Murina

First time Croatian co-writer/director Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović demonstrates a mature, profound insight into human psychology, male and female, young and middle-aged, in her feature film debut Murina. Set on the Adriatic coast, the family’s Croatian island home isolates seventeen-year-old Julija from the more enticing, liberated lives she observes as party boats visit their blue-water cove and rocky beach.

Reviews

MURINA – Review by Jennifer Green

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022 Jennifer Green Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, croatian films, Danica Curcic, Gracija Filipovic, Hélène Louvart, Leon Lucev, martin scorsese, Murina

Executive produced by Martin Scorsese and winner of the 2021 Camera d’Or in Cannes for first-time feature director Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, Murina is a slow-churning, disquieting tale of a young woman’s revelation that her life could have been entirely different than what it is, and her empowerment to change her future.