Darko Lungulov Wraps Production on Serbian Coming-of-Age Drama '1970'
The Tribeca-winning director explores historical parallels between 1970s Yugoslavia and modern Serbian student protests.
1Production Wrap Announced
Director Darko Lungulov has officially completed production on his latest feature film, 1970. The project is a coming-of-age drama set against the historical backdrop of President Richard Nixon’s visit to the former Yugoslavia. The film is currently preparing for industry showcases at the Thessaloniki Film Festival and Tallinn’s Baltic Event.
2Narrative and Character Arc
The story follows thirteen-year-old Draško, who is abandoned by his parents and runs away with a sixteen-year-old rebel named Eržika. Their journey unfolds amidst a volatile climate of anti-war protests, rock concerts, and decadent parties. This desperate escape becomes a transformative experience defined by heartbreak, personal loss, and the search for freedom.
3Collaborative International Production
The film is a multi-national effort involving production companies from Serbia, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Croatia. Financial backing and support were provided by several regional bodies, including Film Center Serbia, the Hungarian National Film Institute, and Creative Europe MEDIA. This collaborative structure highlights the cross-border nature of contemporary European independent cinema production.
4Blending Memory and Media
Lungulov utilizes a unique visual language by mixing real and fake home movies with newly shot 16mm and digital footage. This stylistic choice aims to recreate the internal world and memories of the protagonist. The director draws on his own personal history to capture the specific atmosphere of the year 1970.
5Political Parallels Today
Although set fifty years in the past, Lungulov insists the film is a story about today. He draws direct parallels between the anti-war protests of the 1970s and recent student movements in Serbia. The director believes the belief that young people can change the world has been revived by these current events.
6Cast and Activism Connection
The lead actors, Andrija Femić and Lilla Gregus, were active participants in the student movement that recently challenged Serbian leadership. Gregus, a student at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, joined protests sparked by a 2024 railway station disaster. Lungulov even joined his cast at demonstrations following rehearsals for the film.
7Director's Established Track Record
Darko Lungulov is a recognized filmmaker, having won the Best NY Narrative Award at Tribeca in 2009 for Here and There. His filmography includes the tragicomedy Monument to Michael Jackson and the 2023 documentary A Fleeting Dream. His work consistently explores themes of absurdity and character-driven narratives within Eastern European contexts.
8Thematic Resonance and Hope
The film serves as a reflection on youth searching for a voice in a challenging global environment. By connecting historical rebellion with modern student activism, Lungulov frames the project as a message of hope. The film aims to capture the resilience of young people refusing to be broken by bullying authorities.
Original article: Variety — Darko Lungulov Wraps Production on Serbian Coming-of-Age Drama '1970'