The Croatian film *A Blue Flower*, directed by Zrinko Ogresta, won the Grand Golden Arena for Best Film at the 68th Pula Film Festival. Ogresta also received the Golden Arena for Best Director, while Vanja \u0106iri\u0107 won the Golden Arena for Best Leading Actress for her role as the film\u2019s protagonist.<\/p>\n
The film had its regional premiere at the 28th European Film Festival Pali\u0107, where it moved many viewers. Film experts noted the presence of Chekhovian elements and discussed the involvement of Lazar Ristovski as a co-producer. The screenplay was written by Ivor Martini\u0107, the author of *Drama About Mirjana and Those Around Her*, which also influenced discussions about the film.<\/p>\n
The main character of *A Blue Flower*, Mirjana, is a factory worker in Zagreb. On the day of a modest ceremony recognizing her 20 years of service, her interactions and conversations with those around her shed light on her past, present, and future. The film deeply immerses the viewer emotionally, exploring the mother-daughter relationship in a profound way. The three central female roles were masterfully played by Vanja \u0106iri\u0107, Anja \u0160ovagovi\u0107 Despot, and Tea Har\u010devi\u0107.<\/p>\n
How did you experience your film\u2019s premiere at Pali\u0107 alongside the audience? Do you follow their reactions, and is that important to you?<\/strong> You mentioned that with this film, you wanted to move away from socially engaged topics like the pandemic or refugees. Why do you think family themes are not considered \u2018engaged\u2019 topics? Did you worry that focusing on something universally personal would make the film seem less provocative?<\/strong> Your film focuses on Mirjana, her mother, and her daughter. You convincingly depict the dynamics between three generations of women. Do you find it easier to express your emotions and worldview through female characters?<\/strong> Your film uniquely addresses generational competition between women within the same family, a theme rarely explored in Balkan cinema. Why was this important for you to highlight?<\/strong> The three main female characters in the film constantly nag and often forget to say something important, brushing it off as irrelevant. In our fast-paced lives, do we truly forget what is important?<\/strong> Mirjana wears a blue dress at her 20-year work anniversary and receives a blue flower. Why did you name the film after this?<\/strong> The film\u2019s co-producer, Lazar Ristovski, is a well-known Serbian actor who has supported Serbian President Aleksandar Vu\u010di\u0107. Were you aware of this, and does it influence your choice of collaborators?<\/strong>
\n\u2014 “When I watch my film with the audience, I pay attention to the moments of silence during scenes that I believe deserve complete quiet. That happened at Pali\u0107 as well, and it gave me a sense of peace. That silence speaks volumes\u2014when there is no rustling, when viewers are glued to their seats, fully focused on the film.”<\/p>\n
\n\u2014 “Family-related themes can be \u2018engaged\u2019 even today, but it is difficult to address them without resorting to overused mainstream narratives\u2014domestic violence, abuse of women and children, or discrimination against LGBTQ individuals within families. While I do not diminish the importance of these issues, they have become a common trend, sometimes exploited by those who genuinely care and those who do not. Nowadays, it seems that to be artistically intriguing, one must explore extreme human conditions. I wanted to return to ordinary, familiar patterns of behavior\u2014ones filled with intrigue, excitement, sadness, pain, humor, and beauty\u2014elements that often get overlooked amid sensationalized portrayals of extreme behavior.”<\/p>\n
\n\u2014 “Quite possibly. As a man, I undoubtedly recognize and embrace my so-called \u2018feminine side\u2019\u2014my heightened sensitivity. I am not afraid to fully express and explore it in my creative work.”<\/p>\n
\n\u2014 “It is a common behavioral pattern among women in families, which I find psychologically intriguing and artistically inspiring. By exploring it, I aim to achieve catharsis for the characters and provoke catharsis in the audience as well. For me, this is an exciting artistic endeavor.”<\/p>\n
\n\u2014 “Absolutely. What we often dismiss as insignificant is actually crucial for our relationships with loved ones. These are the moments when we should pause, turn to those closest to us, look them in the eyes, and show them how much we love them. We may think we express our care through daily responsibilities and sacrifices, but pure, direct emotional moments\u2014free from pragmatism\u2014are just as important.”<\/p>\n
\n\u2014 “I wanted the title to be poetic and beautiful, yet not burdened with symbolism\u2014something that naturally emerges from the film\u2019s essence.”<\/p>\n
\n\u2014 “Yes, I was aware. When it comes to political views, each person makes their own choices for their own reasons. We wanted democracy, and we have it\u2014at least in Croatia, to a large extent. If we allow someone\u2019s personal political stance to shape our perception of them, it says more about us than about them. It reflects our narrow-mindedness and inability to embrace the true essence of democracy and free thought.”<\/p>\n