“Mother Mara,” which has its world premiere at Sarajevo Film Festival as a gala screening, playing out of competition, has debuted its trailer (below). World sales are being represented by Antipode Sales International.
The Serbian drama stars and is directed by Mirjana Karanovic, who previously starred in and directed Sundance competition title “A Good Wife.” As an actor she is best known for Jasmila Zbanic’s “Grbavica,” winner of the Berlin Golden Bear, and Emir Kusturica’s Oscar nominated and Cannes Palme d’Or winner “When Father Was Away on Business.”
The film centers on Mara, a successful businesswoman and single mother, who is heartbroken after her son Nemanja’s untimely death. She becomes emotionally detached, refusing to communicate with friends and family. However, when she meets Milan, Nemanja’s close friend, she finds solace and comfort in their relationship. As they grow closer, they uncover more about Nemanja’s life and his passing, giving Mara an opportunity to face her life and emotions.
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In a statement, Karanovic said: “I want to show the contrast I carry within as if two completely different persons live inside my body. I often feel shame and fear to talk about it. A woman of my age shouldn’t be talking so openly about her passions and desires, which is reserved for younger people.
“When a woman in this stage of life tries to break out of a traditional role, the media and public call her an old hag and a witch. This is why I want to make this film and tell this story. I want to provoke the public and encourage other women and all other people that feel underrepresented and feel like they are serving roles in life that their inner spirit is trying to fight against.”
As well as Karanovic, the cast includes Vucic Perovic, Boris lsakovic, Jasna Zalica, Alen Liveric, Pavle Cemerikic and Jelena Curuvija.
The producer is Snezana van Houwelingen at This & That Productions in Serbia.
The co-producers are Andrea Staka, Thomas Imbach, Adrien Chef, Paul Thiltges, Vlado Bulajic, Lija Pogacnik, Damir Ibrahimovic, Jasmila Zbanic and Nemanja Becanovic.
The co-production companies are Oko Film (Switzerland), Paul Thiltges Distributions (Luxembourg), December (Slovenia), Deblokada (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and VHS Doo (Montenegro).
