SERBIA: Solemn Promise (UK Premiere)

2010/ Serbia/ 108 mins/ Dir. Srđan Karanović /Cast includes: Iva Krajnc, Miki Manojlovic, Nebojsa Dugalic, Radivoje Bukvic

Srdjan Karanovic’s latest film is inspired by true events that played out during World War I. A professor (Nebojsa Dugalic) is appointed headmaster of a Serbian school in 1914 and moves into the schoolhouse with his Slovenian wife, Lea (Iva Krajnc). With the Austro-Hungarian Empire controlling the region and the Serbian forces marching on Vienna, the Serbs consider Lea an Austrian, or at least Austro-sympathetic, and thus not to be trusted.

Summoned by the war effort, the headmaster leaves his wife and the school’s Albanian caretaker Azem (Miki Manojlovic) gives his solemn oath to protect his Slovenian wife. In the Albanian tradition, when someone gives their word, this sacred bond must be kept even if one must endanger their life in the process. Lea and Azem, from two entirely different cultures and of completely different habits, are forced into an awkward cohabitation in the empty school. Whilst war rages, an honourable agreement between strangers becomes an emotional tale of impossible love. Extraordinary times create unlikely allies.

 

Sponsored by the Serbian City Club, Serbian Council of Great Britain and Serbian Society.

With support from the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, London.