A Cinematic Rebellion: Unveiling 'The Pavilion' at Sarajevo
Opening Night Extravaganza: A Dark Comedy Takes Center Stage
The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival, scheduled from August 15 to 22, is set to kick off with a bang. The prestigious event will feature the worldwide premiere of Bosnian filmmaker Dino Mustafić’s thought-provoking dark comedy, 'The Pavilion.' This selection underscores the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse and impactful storytelling from the region and beyond.
Meet the Host: Lidija Kordić to Grace the Ceremony
Adding a touch of local elegance to the opening ceremony, renowned Bosnian actress Lidija Kordić will assume the role of host. Kordić, celebrated for her compelling performance as Ilona Slater in the biographical drama 'Diva Futura,' brings a familiar and esteemed presence to the festival's grand inauguration.
'The Pavilion' Unveiled: A Synopsis of Rebellion and Conscience
Dino Mustafić's 'The Pavilion' delves into a powerful narrative about a group of elderly residents within a retirement community. After enduring prolonged periods of mistreatment and indignity, they orchestrate an uprising. Arming themselves, they seize control of the facility, hold staff members captive, and confront the authorities in a dramatic display of defiance.
Director's Vision: A Unique Take on Uprising
Mustafić shared insights into his film's core message, stating that 'The Pavilion' spotlights the older generation choosing to act on their convictions in the contemporary world. He emphasized that rebellion manifests in various forms, and this particular uprising holds a distinct character that viewers will fully grasp upon experiencing the film.
Mustafić's Return: A Celebrated Filmmaker's Comeback
This marks Dino Mustafić’s significant return to feature filmmaking, two decades after his highly acclaimed debut, 'Remake.' 'Remake' captivated audiences as one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most-watched films, earning recognition at the Rotterdam Film Festival as a top five selection and screening at numerous international festivals.
Beyond Features: Mustafić's Documentary and Theater Prowess
Beyond his narrative features, Mustafić is widely recognized for his extensive work in documentary filmmaking. His notable documentary credits include 'The Runway of Life,' 'Let There Be Light,' 'Miracle in Bosnia,' 'An Artist’s View of the Past,' and 'Transforming Tomorrow,' showcasing his versatile storytelling capabilities. Additionally, Mustafić has carved out a distinguished career in theater, directing numerous productions in regional and international venues, which have garnered widespread accolades at various festivals.
Collaborative Production: A Global Endeavor
'The Pavilion' is a collaborative production spearheaded by Panglas (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Co-producing entities include Cineplanet (Croatia), Krug Film (North Macedonia), Monte Royal Pictures (Serbia), Natenane Productions (Montenegro), and Realstage (Bosnia and Herzegovina), reflecting a strong regional partnership.
Creative Minds Behind the Scenes: The Talented Crew
The screenplay for 'The Pavilion' was penned by Viktor Ivančić, with Emir Imamović Pirke contributing as co-writer. The directorial team of photography comprises Almir Đikoli and Mustafa Mustafić. Vladimir Gojun handled the editing, Bojan Zulfikarpašić composed the music, Zhaklina Krstevska designed the costumes, and Mirna Ler served as the set designer.
Distinguished Ensemble: The Cast
The film features a compelling cast including Rade Šerbedžija, Zijah Sokolović, Miralem Zubčević, Ksenija Pajić, and Jasna Diklić, bringing their talent to this unique story.
Financial Support and Partnerships: Enabling Cinematic Art
The realization of 'The Pavilion' was made possible through the generous support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton, the Sarajevo Film Fund, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the North Macedonia Film Agency, the Film Center Serbia, and the Film Centre of Montenegro. BH Telecom also joined as a co-producer, highlighting a broad network of support for regional cinema.