A charming and humorous journey onto the fragile human relations in a crisis-ridden post-war-society. A documentary of archaic poetry with strong characters and beautiful shots. Screenings will be followed by Q&A with the director Siniša Vidović. Dutch Premiere

Synopsis

The Bosnian bullfights are a subject rarely caught on film. In a Korida bullfight, bulls compete against bulls in an arena, yet unlike the Spanish Corrida de Toros no blood is shed. The film gives a unique insight into a society that tries to come to terms with its past war experiences in an unusual way. Is it possible that Koridas have brought more peace to the Bosnian people than the European Union? Because of its socio-political relevance and utterly fascinating characters that have never been portrayed before, the world of bullfighting in rural Bosnia offers a tough and realistic look at a country that has not yet recovered from the impacts of war.

Festivals & Awards (selection)

Nonfiktionale, Germany 2017 – Citizen Award | Crossing Europe FF Linz, 2016 – Local Artist Prize | Filmfestival Freistadt, Austria 2016 – Best Documentary | Sarajevo FF, 2016 | Max Ophuls Prize, 2016 | Cottbus FF, 2016 | Sarajevo FF, 2015 – pre-production awards: Cinelink/Work-in-Progress Award, Digital Cube Award and HBO Adria Award at the Documentary Rough Cut Boutique

Director’s statement

Within the Balkan region, Koridas have a similar position and relevance as the local folk music „Turbo-Folk“: many love it but few admit that. It is perceived as simple entertainment for the blue-collar-masses. For the audience, the bullfights are mostly secondary anyway: The priority is the „druzenje“, the joyful togetherness. Who are the people that live in this cosmos? And why does it seem to be one of the few major events of the region where no ethnic conflicts occur? These questions occupied me and led me to a perennial journey which culminates in this documentary film.