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European Film

This guide includes introductory readings and resources on European film, including books, articles, moving images, and more.

Note on Coverage

This page covers general histories and criticism on the cinema of Balkan countries and the region. Please see separate tabs for more specific coverage of Bulgaria and Romania

Balkans Film Resources

Additional Resources on Selected Major Films from the Balkans

Selected Films from the Balkans

Love Affair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator (Yugoslavia, dir. Dusan Makavejev, 1967)

"In outline, this is the story of the tragic romance between a young telephonist and a middle-aged rodent sanitation specialist in Belgrade."

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Before the Rain (Macedonia, dir. Milcho Manchevski, 1994) 

"The first film made in the newly independent Republic of Macedonia, Milcho Manchevski’s this gripping triptych of love and violence crosscuts the stories of an orthodox Christian monk, a British photo agent, and a native Macedonian war photographer to paint a portrait of simmering ethnic and religious hatred about to reach its boiling point."

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Underground (Yugoslavia, dir. Emir Kusturica, 1995)

"In the midst of war, Marko and Blacky - two opportunistic buddies sharing a spirited lust for women, booze and madcap brawling - attain riches and heroic praise dealing arms to the war's resistance fighters."

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Shok (Albania & Kosovo, dir. Jamie Donoughue, 2014)

"Based on true events, SHOK is set during the escalation of the Kosovan War when the country was occupied by Serbia. Two young Kosovan boys, Petrit and Oki, are the best of friends. After Oki buys a bike, Petrit is desperate to have one of his own. Ever the businessman Petrit finds a niche dealing cigarette papers to the occupying Serbian troops. However with tensions and violence escalating in the country, many would see this as traitorous. Building a steady network of contacts, Petrit drags Oki into ever more dangerous situations until their lives are put at risk."

Academy Award Nominee - 2016 Oscars

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Quo Vadis, Aida? (Bosnia, dir. Jasmila Žbanić, 2021) 

"Bosnia, July 1995. Aida is a translator for the UN in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp. As an insider to the negotiations Aida has access to crucial information that she needs to interpret. What is on the horizon for her family and people – rescue or death? Which move should she take?"

Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards and the Film Independent Spirits Awards.

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