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!

This is an OK film although it is quite slow-paced. The characters are undeveloped and the lack of chemistry between David Thornton (Robert)and Mirjana Karanovic (Olga) is painful to watch. The film is a step in the right direction when it comes to Serbian films, as there is no violence or hatred and the plot is interesting and realistic - people in Serbia really do resort to paying a foreigner to marry your fiancée, in order to make it possible for her to join you if you live and work in Western Europe or North America. However, this theme could have been exploited in a more interesting way. Also it does not do justice to Belgrade, where most of the film is set. Although certainly not the most attractive capital in the world, neither is it the grey, shabby place depicted in the film. Think of the impression one gets of Vienna watching 'Before Sunrise', or of Paris from 'Forget Paris'.

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.

"Here and there", the debut of an immensely talented young Serbian director Darko Lungulov is a great example of the vast difference between indie and big budget disaster. Indie movies, even when they are off the mark, at least attempt to tell the human story or describe the age long hardship of living. Big budget movies are usually the exercise in non-existent creativity and homage to stupidity. Two worlds: Belgrade in transition and dumpy Queens are not as different as one would think.In both places people are desperately trying to survive and find a better life. Often their dreams are just that-dreams, light like a spider web and fragile like an eggshell. This is a real jewel of a movie, an immense pleasure to watch.

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."