Žal

Due to socio-political issues in the country, it has become questionable to what extent the decision to leave the home country is forced. The community that is needed to establish better conditions and consequently slow down the trend of emigration due to the same problem remains weakened. These and many other factors lead to devastating statistics and the increasingly present problems of contemporary Croatian society. Žal, allegorically representing the country, tries to find the complex causes of the problem.

Directed by Mara Prpić, Žal leans on a strong ensemble — Toni Fleg, Matija Tomić, Lovro Mirth — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2023.