Tamo i ovde

We saw "HERE" at the 2009 Orlando Film Festival. My wife and I were so impressed by the film we stuck around for a prolonged Q+A. Luckily, Producer Frank Calo invited us to an "After" get together/party for the production. All this proved to be quite worthwhile, because it gave us some unique inside-track insights into the production, which are shared with you here.

Serbian Director Darko Lungulov studied the art of film-making in New York. His years in the Big Apple are clearly reflected in his savvy instinct in obtaining precisely the right mix of the where/what/when/how/why of the New York backdrop; his foreigner/outsider perspective adds a fingerprint spin. The passion for his labor of love, which blazed so intensely in his eyes, permeates every frame of this multiple award-winning American/Serbian look at how one man's capricious decision to grab a fistful of cash by traveling to Belgrade and marrying a woman to secure her U. S. Visa, indirectly sets him on a path of redemption and self-rediscovery.

David Thorton (Unhooks the Stars) fleshes out his role as a burned-out sax player with a refreshing degree of studied nonchalance that veils a constant and consistent intensity. Mirjana Karanovic("The Serbian Meryl Streep" we were told) as Olga, is living proof that actions speak louder than words. A mature and kind-spirited woman, who knows just how to nurture all those around her, yet never seeking out someone special to nurture her.

HERE's otherworldly treat is its deliciously enticing, traditionally-rooted Serbian musical score by Dejan Pejovic. It set the tone and mood of the film so perfectly it could be used as an example of music for optimum ambience in Film-making classes! Cyndi Lauper (Who JUST happens to be married to David Thorton BTW!) has a cameo that adds cleverly to the overall production and also contributes an original song!

There is one warm, inspirational and unique aspect of HERE and THERE, but to reveal it would amount to a spoiler. So, you must experience this great film for yourself!

...ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!

Lower east side NYC meets Belgrade. Several characters, all living with their own predicaments, cross paths. This film tells a special story with humor, suspense and a bit of quietly gritty style. There are subtle details, and a lot of heart. The actors ( Cyndi Lauper makes a great appearance ) are the best ! Darko Lungulov has this wonderful ability to describe an engaging story, while helping us to look at the characters with tenderness and a dose of reality. Lovely photography and direction. Bravo.

The city was so ugly but the people were beautiful. I didn't know what to think when I started to watch this but very early on I thought "I like this movie."

A movie like "Here and There" shows us just how good movies can be, even when they're made on a tiny budget. With a pitch-perfect cast (that includes Cindy Lauper!) and a script that hinges on a clever conceit, "Here and There" straddles the line between comedy and drama in the best indie fashion and delivers emotions that register on many different levels. The movie's script, about a depressed NYC jazz musician who finds himself stuck in Belgrade, Serbia, beautifully explores the different facets of it's protagonist's plight with humor, drama, a hard won humanism, and above all, a light touch that is never heavy handed. The film moves along briskly, whisking you away in it's narrative current, and before you realize it you're enmeshed in the character's lives and you're heart is beating along with them. Recommended for anyone in need of a good story told expertly or for anyone who thinks independent films are dead. Take a look at "Here and There" and you'll discover that they are alive and going strong. I'm sure Jarmusch would be proud of new writer/director Darko Lungulov who combines the tone and aesthetic of the indies with the wit and showmanship of classic Hollywood screen writing.

Entertaining show. good film. enjoyed it very much. for time passing purposes it is an ideal film. you'll enjoy it... the only thing i was skeptical about is , everyone in the serbian residential area , everyone speaks decent english to run a daily conversation , even the nice lady at the market.