AFTER THE WINTER

Five childhood friends from a small Montenegrin town have gradually moved away to different corners of former Yugoslavia, yet they remain in contact, aware that their long-time friendship continues to play a fundamental role in their lives. This episodic, understated film allows viewers to follow one year of their lives as they falter and try to find their place in the world; the protagonists also experience defining moments, when they come to realise that they can no longer escape adulthood. In his inspired debut, director Ivan Bakrač delivers a spirited testimony of the young post-war generation who still have the shadow of the past hanging over them. The authentic tone of the individual episodes is reinforced by an agreeably fitting performance from the five talented young actors. A story of a vanishing world, a nostalgic and humorous ode to friendship and youth.