Synopsis
After his wife attempts suicide, Nikola, a casual laborer, is forced to give up his two children, who are placed with foster parents. At first this is only a temporary arrangement. But after assessing Nikola's living conditions, the head of the social welfare office in a small Serbian village decides that he is too poor to provide a good home for his children. The taciturn Nikola decides to appeal to the Ministry of Social Affairs in Belgrade, and to walk 300 kilometers to the capital to show the authorities how far he is willing to go for his children. Through truthful, moving images, director Golubović tells a story of inequality. With his calm and tenacious character, Nikola not only measures the length of his country but also explores the line between right and wrong. Determined not to give in to despair, this resilient father sets out on a heroic journey that redefines the word "hero".
Jury Citation
Father has a distinct realist character. The actors build their characters and convey emotion through restrained, understated performances; the camera work is plain yet rich in meaning and full of emotional tension. Recording a social event in a visual style rooted in reality, the film carries deep social significance and reflects a strong humanistic spirit and concern for real life. Winner of Best Foreign Language Film.
Film Information
Srdan Golubović
Drama
Goran Bogdan | Boris Isaković | Nada Šargin | Milica Janevski | Muharem Hamzić | More...
Serbia | France | Germany | Slovenia | Croatia | Bosnia and Herzegovina
Serbian
119 min