Jelena Maksimović’s debut feature, the Serbian protest drama Until the Day Ends (Do Kraja Dana), is set to make history at the Venice Film Festival, marking the first time a female director from Serbia has brought a narrative feature to the official selection since Soja Jovanović’s Eagles Fly Early in 1966. This cinematic milestone will see the film world premiere in the Horizons (Orizzonti) section of the 83rd edition of the prestigious Italian festival on September 10, bringing an intense and emotionally charged narrative to an international audience. The film delves into a deeply divided contemporary Serbian society, exploring a forbidden romance against a backdrop of widespread anti-government protests in Belgrade.
A Cinematic Milestone at Venice
Maksimović’s inclusion in the Venice Film Festival’s official selection represents a significant achievement for Serbian cinema and a powerful moment for female filmmakers in the region. Her presence at one of the world’s most acclaimed film festivals highlights a burgeoning talent and signals a renewed international interest in Serbian storytelling. The long hiatus since Jovanović’s groundbreaking work in 1966 underscores the historical weight carried by Until the Day Ends.
The Horizons section, known for showcasing films that push boundaries and explore new aesthetic expressions, provides an ideal platform for Maksimović’s provocative debut. Venice, with its rich history of premiering critically important works, offers a global stage for a story deeply rooted in local political and social realities, yet universal in its themes of love, division, and resistance. This premiere is anticipated to be a deeply personal and emotional journey for the filmmaker, mirroring the intense emotional arc of her protagonists.
Setting the Scene: Belgrade’s Divided Landscape
Until the Day Ends unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, where anti-government protests by students and other citizens have escalated into the country’s largest wave of civil unrest in decades. These demonstrations, fueled by widespread public dissatisfaction and disillusionment, gained significant momentum following a tragic incident in November 2024, when the collapse of a railway station canopy resulted in 16 fatalities. The incident galvanized public anger, turning localized grievances into a nationwide movement demanding accountability and systemic change.
The film intricately weaves this socio-political unrest into its narrative fabric, portraying a society fractured along ideological lines. Belgrade becomes more than just a setting; it is a character itself, a city simmering with tension, where political loyalties dictate personal relationships and public spaces transform into arenas of conflict. The division depicted is not merely political but deeply personal, affecting families, friendships, and the very fabric of daily life.
The Heart of the Story: Love Amidst Tumult
At the core of Until the Day Ends is a compelling and fraught love story between two young Serbs from opposing sides of this profound societal chasm. Lena, portrayed by Lena Trifunović, is an anarchist student, fiercely independent and committed to the protest movement. Her counterpart is Stefan, played by Andrija Krivokapić, a working-class youth whose social circle includes staunch pro-government loyalists, placing him on the opposite end of the political spectrum.
Their burgeoning romance defies the deep ideological divides that separate their worlds, echoing the timeless narrative of Romeo and Juliet but recast within the gritty, contemporary reality of Serbian civil unrest. Their connection blossoms amidst the chaos, a fragile beacon of human intimacy against a backdrop of escalating public confrontation. The film explores the profound challenges they face as their personal bond clashes with their societal obligations and the expectations of their respective groups.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a stone, thrown during a protest, strikes a policeman. Stefan, fearing he will be unjustly blamed for the incident, makes a desperate decision. This act propels the duo into a frantic flight from Belgrade, transforming the film into a tense road movie. Their escape becomes a journey of self-discovery and deepening connection, forcing them to confront not only external threats but also the internal conflicts posed by their disparate backgrounds and the perilous path they have chosen together. This shift in narrative adds layers of suspense and urgency, highlighting the personal stakes of political unrest.
Behind the Camera: Vision and Collaboration for Until the Day Ends
Jelena Maksimović’s directorial debut is a product of a collaborative vision, with the screenplay co-written by Maksimović herself alongside Olga Dimitrijevic and Ivan Salatic. This collaborative approach likely enriched the narrative, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of the complex themes at play. The script’s nuanced portrayal of political division and personal intimacy is central to the film’s anticipated impact.
The technical craftsmanship behind Until the Day Ends also promises a compelling cinematic experience. Paul Spengemann, known for his work on Der Fleck, serves as the cinematographer, bringing a distinct visual style to the depiction of Belgrade’s urban landscape and the emotional intensity of the protagonists’ journey. Jan Klemsche, the acclaimed editor of God Will Not Help, is responsible for shaping the film’s rhythm and pace, ensuring that the story’s emotional beats and dramatic tension are effectively conveyed. The ensemble cast also includes Irina Hotomski, Stefan Tarabić, and Miodrag Dragičević, whose performances are expected to add depth and authenticity to the film’s portrayal of a fractured society. International sales for the film are being handled by Heretic, indicating a strong push for global distribution.
Broader Implications: Reflecting a Nation’s Pulse
Until the Day Ends arrives at a critical juncture for Serbia, offering a timely and poignant reflection on the nation’s contemporary political and social landscape. The film’s exploration of student activism, civil unrest, and deep societal divisions resonates powerfully with ongoing public discourse in Serbia regarding governance, democratic freedoms, and the aspirations of its youth. It has the potential to spark crucial conversations within the country, providing a cinematic mirror to the challenges and hopes of its citizens.
Internationally, the film offers a valuable window into the complexities of a Balkan nation often misunderstood or overlooked in global media narratives. By humanizing the political struggle through a deeply personal story, Until the Day Ends can foster greater understanding of the forces shaping contemporary Eastern Europe. Its themes of love transcending ideological barriers and the search for truth in turbulent times are universally relatable, ensuring its relevance beyond national borders.
Anticipation and Reception at Venice
The world premiere of Until the Day Ends at the Venice Film Festival is generating considerable anticipation. Given its sensitive subject matter, historical significance for Serbian cinema, and the universal appeal of its themes, the film is poised to attract significant critical attention. The emotional intensity promised by the narrative, coupled with the backdrop of real-world protests, suggests a film that will not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion.
Filmmaker Jelena Maksimović’s journey to Venice is expected to be deeply personal and emotional, reflecting the profound investment in her debut work. Audiences and critics alike will be keenly watching how the film navigates its complex narrative, balancing political commentary with an intimate human drama. An exclusive clip released ahead of the Venice debut offers a glimpse into the film’s tense atmosphere and dramatic confrontations, signaling that viewers should prepare for an unflinching and powerful cinematic experience.
As Until the Day Ends prepares for its global introduction, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to illuminate the human condition amidst political upheaval. The film not only marks a significant milestone for Serbian female directors but also promises to be a poignant and relevant commentary on the challenges of love, loyalty, and survival in a deeply divided world.
