AS the annual Francophone Week draws to a close, Alliance Française de Harare last week on Monday treated film enthusiasts to a screening of The Erl-King, also referred to as Bauk, an emotional Serbian anti-war
drama.
The film, which was acted in the Serbian language and accompanied by English subtitles, formed part of a broader programme of screenings that showcased until yesterday, March 18.
It brought together members of the diplomatic community including Serbian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Radiša Grujić and his spouse Mirjana Grujić, who is the president of the Diplomatic Spouses Association of Zimbabwe, French ambassador Paul-Bertrand Barets, Lourdes Chamorro (EU), Fanny Gauthier (Alliance Française director), including members of the Greek and Serbian diaspora communities.
While Francophone Week traditionally celebrates the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, the inclusion of The Erl-King in the lineup underscores the broader mission of the Francophonie: to foster dialogue and shared human experiences across linguistic boundaries.
The film, though Serbian, speaks a universal language in its exploration of war’s devastating impact on the most vulnerable.
In the 1 hour 37-minute captivating drama, Maria (Sara Klimoska) and her son Sava (Jakša Prpić) find themselves facing uncertainty in war-torn Belgrade when the city comes under heavy bombardment during the 1999 North Atlantic Treaty Organisation bombings of Serbia.
Throughout the film, the father (Miloš Biković) is absent, working out at sea on a cargo ship.
His only communication with his family back home is through a crackling telephone answering device.
While he is far away in the Americas, Maria and Sava navigate through the chaos of war, evading near death experiences in their quest to survive.
The experiences deeply traumatise the eight-year-old and alter his perception of the world.
In one heartbreaking scene, a bomb explodes while Sava tries to chase a bus after getting separated from his mother following an argument.
The blast mysteriously leaves him unable to speak or respond to anyone, an incident that even a doctor fails to diagnose.
Sava’s school is closed and the dwellers of their apartment block begin to gather in the air shelter.
The shelter soon becomes Sava’s second home.
Milica, the girl he’s in love with, leaves the country with her mother.
Milica’s father, a local priest, decides to help.
He takes the family to a village deep in the Serbian countryside, hoping that there, Sava can find peace and regain his speech and hearing.
Instead of serenity, the ongoing war confronts Sava and the priest with new challenges.
Their intense and often difficult relationship transforms the priest into a substitute for Sava’s absent father.
Unable to fully immerse himself in this role, the priest loses his foothold and his faith begins to crumble.
The war is finally over.
The family returns to Belgrade.
Their life slowly returns to normal.
Sava’s school opens. Milica returns.
But Sava is still distant and withdrawn in his own world, until his father, unexpectedly, returns home.
Directed by Goran Radovanović, the war drama reflects on periods of The Kosovo War (February 1998-June 1999) and portrays war’s devastating effects on innocent civilians, especially children.
It is beautifully crafted with stunning visuals and emotional intensity that is well captured by all the actors.
The film serves as a deeply personal reflection for the director, who has stated: “I can personally testify to the fact that the bombing of Belgrade had a devastating effect on the development of my son’s personality — an eight-year-old at the time. That is why I want to raise a question in this film.”
“The artistic value of the film’s composition, production, actor’s performances, the music and the atmosphere will certainly refreshen the minds of all who will watch it,” ambassador Grujić shared during his speech.
“Our children and future generations are the greatest treasure that we have. Whatever we do or intend to undertake we must first reflect on how it would affect them.”
