Warm Film
Directed byDragan Jovićević
Screenplay byDragan Jovićević
Produced byNataša Pavlović, Dragan Jovićević, Predrag Azdejković
StarringĐorđe Mišina, Đorđe Galić
Edited byNataša Pavlović
Music byNenad Jelić
Release date
2024
Running time
92 min
LanguageSerbian

Warm Film (Serbian: Топли филм, Topli film) is a 2024 Serbian documentary directed by Dragan Jovićević starring Đorđe Galić and Đorđe Mišina.[1] The film explores the representation of LGBTI people through the history of Yugoslav cinema and the social circumstances that have influenced the portrayal of these characters.[2]

The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival[3] and national premiere at 2024 Beldocs festival in Belgrade.[4]

Film has been produced by Pogon, Greifer and Merlinka festival.

Plot

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Two young actors, Đorđe Mišina and Đorđe Galić, delve into the history of Yugoslav cinema to explore the representation of LGBTI characters. The documentary examines how social and political changes have influenced the portrayal of queer identities on screen, and includes interviews with prominent filmmakers and actors who have contributed to or been affected by these representations.

Production

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The idea for the film came from Predrag Azdejković[5], a longtime organizer of the Merlinka Queer Film Festival, due to the constant lack of Serbian queer films at the festival. His friend and colleague Dragan Jovićević wrote the screenplay. Producer Nataša Pavlović joined the project, and the film was financially supported by the Film Center of Serbia. The film was produced over a period of six years, using a combination of archival footage and contemporary interviews, providing a comprehensive look at the subject matter.[6]

Serbian and Yugoslavian films with queer elements and subtext mentioned and covered in the documentary: Life is ours (1948), Sofka (1948), The Red Flowers (1950), The Doors Remains Open (1957), Shared Apartment (1960), The Rats Woke Up (1967), Crwos (1969), When I Am Dead And Gone (1967), Plastic Jesus (1971), The Bug Killer (1971), Lefties (1971), The Promising Boy (1981), Strangler VS Strangler (1984), Hi Inspector (1985), It isn't Easy to get along with men (1985), The Beauty of Vice (1986), Pretty Women Walking Through The City (1986), A Spy On Hills (1988), The Fall Of Rock & Roll (1989), Virgina (1991), Marble Ass (1995), Take A Deep Breath (2004), Made in Serbia (2005), Kenedi is Getting Married (2007), Obituary For Escobar (2008), Miloš Branković (2008), Life and Death of Porn Gang (2009), A Serbian Film (2010), Skinning (2010), The Parade (2011), Sergeant (2012), Next To Me (2015), Open Wound (2016), South Wind (2020), Celts (2021). [7]

Reception

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Upon its premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, Warm Film received positive reviews for its insightful and sensitive handling of a complex topic. Critics praised the film for its thorough research and the compelling performances of its leads.[8] The film is anticipated to be featured in several other international festivals throughout the year.

Awards and Nominations

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2024 Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival

  • Nominee: Mermaid Award
  • Nominee: Open Horizons - Best Documentary Audience Award

2024 Beldocs Festival

  • Nominee: Grand Prix - National competition
  • Nominee: Audience Award
  • Nominee: Best Editing

Cast

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  • Đorđe Mišina
  • Đorđe Galić

Interviewees

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The documentary includes interviews with several notable figures in Yugoslav and Serbian cinema, such as:

References

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  1. ^ "Review: Warm Film". Cineuropa. 13 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Warm Film (2024)". MUBI.
  3. ^ "Warm Film at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival". Serbian Film Center. 13 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Topli film". Beldocs. April 2024.
  5. ^ "Dragan Jovićević: The role of film is extremely important for the identity of a society". Zoomer. 6 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Nastavljen rad na dokumentarnom filmu "Topli film"". Film center of Serbia. 31 July 2020.
  7. ^ "An exciting history of the treatment of LGBTQ topics in Serbian cinema". Vogue Adria. 24 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival Review: Warm Film". Film Festival GR.


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