Small Life

A small boy Radenko lives with his alcoholic father, a retired bricklayer, in a modest shack in the outskirts of Podgorica (then Titograd). To support himself and escape from everyday reality, Radenko finds work at a local tavern where he starts singing folk hits, and the guests soon embrace the talented little kid who in turn starts making proper cash for himself and his manager Radovan. But the boy's shady behavior starts to emerge which prompts Radovan to call off his singing arrangement, while father's deteriorating addiction takes the toll in health as well. The boy finds himself left on his own and receives a visit from a social worker, who informs Radenko he's about to be sent to a juvenile hall. The lead role was played by a real-life juvenile offender Radenko Karac, who basically delivered his own life in this TV film.

Directed by Husein Dukaj, Small Life leans on a strong ensemble — Radenko Karać, Zef Dedivanović, Čedomir Dragović — 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 tv movie titles of 1991.