‘This project has from its very beginning been meant as a European co-production, with HAVC, Croatian filmmakers and creative talents playing the key roles in association with other European creative talents, on German locations and helped by partners from different countries. I am extremely pleased that this project has been selected for the prestigious CineLink 2015. This gives us an additional platform for promotion, funding and project development, which was very early on granted financial support from HAVC and the largest German fund NRW Filmstiftung, which also backed my previous film from the script development to production and distribution. The Life Begins (aka Lifestyle) project was selected for EAVE Workshop, where we had a chance to develop the project’s strategy, and CineLink is now the cherry on our cake. To see a project mature in such conditions is very significant. Especially because we have the honour to work with such amazing actors like Emir Hadžihafizbegović and Anica Dobra,’ said director Sergej Stanojkovski.

The project Life Begins (aka Freestyle) is a story about the Croatian Klarić family who live in German Ruhr. One of the many immigrant families who sought a better life in the densely populated industrial region which today closes its factories and mines and sends cities into bankruptcy. For decades, Drago, the owner of Dubrovnik restaurant, is fighting for family existence. He is thinking more and more how the young shall inherit the earth and here he primarily refers to his 17-year-old son Vinko. A confused and pensive high schooler who plays bad football and runs away from the restaurant to his room or garage to rap or chill out with a joint and his friends Orhan and Adil.

‘Life Begins is a personal tale and a personal film. I grew up in Ruhrgebiet and the Ruhr region is one inspiring part of my life. This film is only a fraction of this world, personal everyday observations and experiences which became part of this script. In a way I know the 17-year-old Vinko from the film, there are many such kids. Their families used to come here for decades in search of a better life. They came for some time, but mostly they stayed forever. The situation today is equally pressing, even more complex, I’d say, because the immigration in Germany is on a constant rise… This story describes a teenager’s coming-of-age, a period in life filled with intense feelings and inspirations, but also dark depressive ideas of hopelessness. They live in the chaos of their emotions and world views, but also in the chaos of their parents’ emotions and world views. Adaptation is what bothers both of them. And others who came to Germany and those who were born here,’ said the director.

CineLink co-production market presents the most promising regional feature projects in development and financing, and takes place towards the end of Sarajevo Film Festival (this year between 14 and 22 August).

The full list of selected projects is available on the link on the right hand side. Check out the CineLink-related details on Sarajevo Film Festival’s official website.

Title photo: Sergej Stanojkovski (photo by: Mare Milin)