Želimir Žilnik

Directing

Želimir Žilnik

Born September 8, 1942 · Nis, Serbia, Yugoslavia (age 84)

Želimir Žilnik is a Serbian film director and one of the major figures of the Yugoslav Black Wave. He is noted for his socially engaging style and criticism of censorship that was commonplace during the Yugoslav communist era. Subsequently, following the abolition of communist one-party system, he was an outspoken critic of Slobodan Milošević-led regime in Serbia.

Known For

Kenedi Goes Back HomeKenedi Goes Back Home · 2003
Kenedi Goes Back Home
★ 6.62003
MovieDocumentary
The first film in what would ultimately become Zilnik’s famed Kenedi trilogy follows street hustler Kenedi Hasani and his friend as they roam the streets of Serbia seeking Kenedi’s parents. Kenedi Goes Back Home is Zilnik’s account of the Roma people who were forced to flee from the war in the Balkans to Germany in the 1990s and who, ten years later, are forced against their will to return to Serbia. Zilnik shows the immigrants' lives in relation to the prevailing ideology shaped today by the borders between rich and poor and by the often-racist selection process that determines who will be accepted into Western Europe. In presenting the dilemmas and identifying the crises these people face, he appeals for a solution.
OldtimerOldtimer · 1989
Oldtimer
★ 7.01989
MovieTV MovieComedy
The aged rocker Igor works as a journalist and DJ at the "Radio Student" in Ljubljana. He notices that the janitor Miha works for the police, tapping the walls and observing the journalists who are critical of the regime. After a clash with his editor, Igor decides to leave for Greece by his old bike DKW from 1938, via Bosnia and Serbia. Young Rahela joins him on the trip. Traveling through Yugoslavia, Igor becomes involved in unexpected turmoil: Milosevic's "antibureaucratic revolution" starts in Serbia and Vojvodina.
Cinetracts '20Cinetracts '20 · 2020
Cinetracts '20
★ 6.02020
MovieDocumentaryDrama
A global portrait documenting the year's events, Cinetracts '20 features the work of an international lineup of 20 filmmakers. Capturing the zeitgeist in their own backyard, the artists' short films are the culmination of a year-long residency project.
Where Gods Are DeadWhere Gods Are Dead · 1993
Where Gods Are Dead
★ 5.51993
MovieDocumentaryDrama
A Norwegian TV-worker tries to prevent her son, which she has with her former husband, a Serb now living in Jugoslavia, to become a soldier in the starting civil war.
Market PeopleMarket People · 1978
Market People
★ 8.01978
MovieTV MovieDocumentary
A carnival is in town. Workers start to build the stalls and tents. Players practice their act. Roma, peasants and grifters put up their own boots. After they pay taxes to local officials, they get a muddy ground for their stalls.
RequestRequest · 1974
Request
1974
MovieDocumentary
A construction site with foreign workforce – lunch break. A Greek man tries to write a request letter to the German authorities to allow his parents to stay in Germany because of the Greek-Turkish clashes on Cyprus. A German foreman helps him write the appeal. Upon saying that the reason for summoning his parents is that their lives are threatened by the Turks, other bricklayers join in and a row takes place. During the row the letter is torn, lunch break is over and the bricklayers go on laying bricks.
Pretty Women Walking Through the CityPretty Women Walking Through the City · 1986
Pretty Women Walking Through the City
★ 4.91986
MovieScience Fiction
Belgrade in 2041 is a deserted city that looks like a dump yard. A few old men try to bring up a group of young girls in the old, traditional way of their Yugoslav ancestors.
House OrdersHouse Orders · 1975
House Orders
1975
MovieDocumentary
In buildings where foreign workers lived in Germany, there were strict rules of conduct, defined by the house rules and supervised by the building superintendents. Many rights regarding the freedom of movement, communication and behavior were abused. Interviews with the tenants and with the "orderlies" which point out absurd situations and clashes caused by these restrictions.

Filmography

Sort
Kenedi Goes Back HomeKenedi Goes Back Home · 2003
Kenedi Goes Back Home
★ 6.62003
MovieDocumentary
The first film in what would ultimately become Zilnik’s famed Kenedi trilogy follows street hustler Kenedi Hasani and his friend as they roam the streets of Serbia seeking Kenedi’s parents. Kenedi Goes Back Home is Zilnik’s account of the Roma people who were forced to flee from the war in the Balkans to Germany in the 1990s and who, ten years later, are forced against their will to return to Serbia. Zilnik shows the immigrants' lives in relation to the prevailing ideology shaped today by the borders between rich and poor and by the often-racist selection process that determines who will be accepted into Western Europe. In presenting the dilemmas and identifying the crises these people face, he appeals for a solution.

Director