Croatian Director's Film on Tomo Buzov Wins Golden Palm at Cannes

Croatian director Nebojša Slijepčević's film Čovjek koji nije mogao šutjeti (The Man Who Couldn't Be Silent) has won the Golden Palm for Best Short Film at the Cannes Film Festival. The film is based on the true story of Tomo Buzov, a Yugoslav National Army officer who heroically stood up against Serbian paramilitary forces in Štrpci, Bosnia, in 1993.

The film recounts the tragic events of 1993 when Buzov, a retired officer, was traveling on a train from Beograd to Bar. The train was stopped in Štrpci, where Serbian paramilitary forces took out 19 people, including 18 Bosniaks and one Croat. Buzov, on his way to visit his son, was the only passenger to confront the paramilitary forces, questioning their actions and their allegiance. This act of bravery led to his death, and his body was never found.

This film's success highlights the importance of remembering and confronting past injustices, and serves as a powerful testament to the universal struggle against injustice. Its recognition at the Cannes Film Festival may lead to a renewed focus on the region's complex history and the need for accountability.

Slijepčević's film, produced by Danijel Pek and Katarina Prpić, was an international co-production involving companies from Bulgaria, France, and Slovenia. Despite its international success, Croatia did not support the film's production. The film's victory at Cannes is expected to significantly boost its visibility, with plans to showcase it at all Croatian festivals without any fees.

Director Nebojša Slijepčević said he was inspired by the universality of Buzov's story. 'We were hoping for the Golden Palm, but it's hard to say in that competition. They're all excellent films. We watched them all before the award ceremony and were impressed by the quality,' said producer Danijel Pek. Slijepčević added, 'This recognition means incredibly much for the film's visibility. There's no better premiere in the world, and winning in Cannes means that we'll be flooded with invitations to festivals from all over the world.'

The film's narrative focuses on Buzov's courageous act, with fictional elements built around the real events. Buzov is the only real character portrayed under his actual name. Slijepčević initially intended to focus on the witnesses of the crime rather than the victims or perpetrators, believing that the film's relevance lies in its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences who often witness violence or injustice.

Buzov's story had been largely forgotten in post-Yugoslav countries, not fitting into any nationalist narrative. He was seen as a traitor by Croatians for being a JNA officer and as a bad officer by Serbians for not joining the aggression against neighboring countries. The film's success has brought renewed attention to his heroism and the importance of standing up against injustice, particularly in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The film also highlights the culture of forgetting in Montenegro, where the events took place. Critics argue that Montenegro has failed to acknowledge its role in the war and the deportations of non-Serbs carried out by the Milošević regime. A text by Boris Dežulović from 2014, which served basis for the film, criticizes this culture of forgetting.

Slijepčević's film has not only achieved international recognition but also serves as a powerful testament to the importance of remembering and confronting past injustices. The film's growing visibility underscores the enduring relevance of Buzov's bravery and the universal struggle against injustice.

Key Takeaways

• Croatian film "The Man Who Couldn't Be Silent" wins Golden Palm at Cannes Film Festival.
• Film tells true story of Tomo Buzov, who stood up against Serbian paramilitary forces in 1993.
• Buzov's bravery led to his death, and his body was never found.
• Film's success highlights importance of remembering and confronting past injustices.
• Film's victory at Cannes boosts its visibility, with plans to showcase it at all Croatian festivals.