EN: When Santa Was a Communist
PT: Quando o Pai Natal era comunista
(Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, 2024, 86 min)
December 2023. An acting troupe is going on tour with a play about Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer in the small towns of post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the children are delighted, the appearance of Santa Claus reignites old conflicts between the adults.
Cast & Crew:
Director: Emir Kapetanović
Writers: Emir Kapetanović, Vahid Duraković
Cinematography: Mikša Anđelić
Music: Adis Sirbubalo
Editing: Saša Peševski
Producer: Jasmin Duraković
Co-executive producers: Angelina Albijanić-Duraković, Emir Kapetanović
Production: DEPO Production
Co-production: Emote, Eurofilm, FederalnaTV, CKA Charlama
Cast: Mirvad Kurić, Zana Marjanović, Miraj Grbić, Mirza Tanović, Kristin Winters, Goran Kostić
Director’s statement (excerpt):
When Santa Was a Communist is a feel-good film about an acting troupe that cannot agree with the new social order based on divisions that is being imposed on them. It is a dark ensemble comedy that talks about the consequences of conflict and divisions in a post-conflict society. The absurdity of a country where everything is divided in two or three based on ethnicity is shown by placing the characters in two identical small towns, a Bosniak (Muslim) and Croatian (Catholic) part. Everything is divided into two. Even schools have two entrances, two janitors and two principals. These dualities are stylistically permeated through the spaces, symbols and costumes of the opposing parties. Beautiful but harsh snowy areas of Bosnia through which the old van breaks. Cold and distrustful villagers. Socialist buildings and war-torn houses. And opposing them is a group of artists who, with their appearance, red Christmas costumes and faith in the magic of art, bring life and color to “frozen” people and landscapes. The atmosphere of this film resembles the Balkans, at times magical, warm and fairytale-like, at times cold, cruel and unpredictable. The basic weapon for the fight against this cruelty in this film is something for which Bosnians are known and which comforts and defends them even in the worst situations – their humour.
Screenings:
Casa do Largo, 15 December 2024, 18h30 (Find it! session)
Cinema Charlot, 29 December 2024, 16h00 (Award ceremony)
Why was it selected:
Our 2024 edition was held right before Christmas, which made this feature stand out among the submissions. But it wasn’t the holiday season title that got it selected. When Santa Was a Communist is a wonderfully funny and touching work of art that can be seen throughout the year. In an era when there are so many wars around the world, Emir Kapetanović’s debut feature sends a message of unity that should reach as many people as possible, in order to defuse growing extremist views about “others”. We programmed it as a Find it! session, choosing Casa do Largo as a venue because, in the 1990s, its building was a temporary home for refugees from the war in the Balkans.
Our audience recognized its high quality and gave this masterpiece the “Glad I Came!” award for Best Feature Film.