IFFR
“78 Days,” the debut feature film by Emilija Gašić, premiering at the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), is a remarkable Serbian production that delves into the heart of a family’s experience during the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia in 1999. Through an evocative narrative captured in the style of a home video, Gašić brings to the screen a story that intertwines the innocence of youth with the harrowing realities of war, making it a true standout example of found-footage filmmaking.
Directed by: Emilija Gašić
Year: 2024
Country: Serbia
Length: 82 minutes
The film introduces us to a seemingly ordinary family in Belgrade, whose life is upended by the onset of the NATO bombings. We follow three sisters: the hilariously strong-minded and endearing Tijana (in a standout performance by young newcomer Viktorija Vasiljević) and her two older sisters Dragana (Tamara Gajović) and Sonja (Milica Gicić), as they document their lives through Hi8 camcorder after their father is conscripted, hoping to show it to him upon his return. Utilizing the unique approach of filming as if through the family’s own lens—inspired by Gašić’s discovery of actual home videos from the era—the film achieves a deeply personal and immersive experience.
Gašić’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating the late ’90s Serbia through costume and production design, coupled with the use of period-appropriate filming equipment transports the viewer to the memories of those who were present, while the structure of the film elevates “78 Days” beyond traditional narrative storytelling. The naturalistic performances and the genuine chemistry among the actors further blur the lines between fiction and reality, making it difficult to believe that such an astonishingly authentic and realistic work is, in fact, not a documentary
One of the film’s most powerful aspects is its deliberate central focus on the humanity of its characters rather than the tragedy of war. Through daily interactions, small disputes, sibling jealousy, first love, and the sharing of dreams and ambitions, Gašić allows the audience to delve deep into the lives of these characters, creating a strong emotional attachment. This narrative choice makes the moments of tragedy all the more impactful, with a sound design that emphasizes the disruptive explosions, bringing the war’s intrusion into the characters’ lives to the forefront.
Beyond the personal narrative, “78 Days” does not shy away from delivering strong political commentary, offering a perspective that challenges prevailing Western narratives about the NATO bombings. While not condoning the crimes committed by Serbia during that period, the film sheds light on the often-overlooked suffering of the innocent Serbian civilian population, arguing against the bombings as a grave injustice. Through scenes of the family and friends protesting NATO in a small DIY protest, humorously critiquing Bill Clinton through song, and lamenting the influence of America on global affairs, Gašić crafts a daring critique of US hegemony and its consequences.
“78 Days” is a fantastically crafted blend of personal narrative and political discourse, captured through the lens of a family caught in the crossfire of history. Emilija Gašić’s feature debut is a profound exploration of the humanity that remains despite geopolitical strife, making a significant statement about the impact of global powers on individual lives. By focusing on the relatable mundane events of its characters against the backdrop of catastrophic events, the film becomes a powerful and moving portrait of those who were forced to continue their daily lives amidst brutal terror. Gašić’s film is a remarkable entry into the genre of found-footage cinema and a thought-provoking critical reflection on a contentious period in history, offering a narrative that is both universally relatable and deeply specific in its cultural and historical context.
“78 Days” premiered at the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam as part of the festival’s Bright Future Section.
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