Lidija Zelovic’s ‘Home Game’ Acquired by Taskovski Films Ahead of IDFA World Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

As a movie lover who has witnessed a myriad of films from different cultures and backgrounds, I must say that “Home Game” stands out as a profound piece of work. Born and raised in a country far removed from the Netherlands, I find myself deeply moved by Lidija Zelovic’s poignant exploration of identity, home, and the ever-present specter of division.


Taskovski Films has acquired the distribution rights for “Home Game,” a film directed by Lidija Zelovic. The movie will make its first public appearance this Friday in the International Competition segment at the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.

Zelovic started capturing her family’s life in the Netherlands since 1993, following their escape from the war-ravaged Sarajevo. Through this film, she highlights the complex question that all migrants grapple with: Is “home” the current location or the place of origin? By doing so, this filmmaker underscores the increasing disparities in the Netherlands, a divide she is familiar with from her Yugoslavian background.

Using footage from her personal collection of family films, Zelović switches between scenes depicting everyday life at home – conversations about politics and soccer with parents and siblings on Sundays, the growth of her child, and vacations spent in Bosnia – and significant political occurrences in the Netherlands, including murder cases, instances of governmental discrimination, escalating social division, rising unrest within society, and the rise of far-right extremism at the helm of power.

The ‘Home Game’ provides an occasionally humorous yet frequently challenging glimpse into Zelovic’s personal life, serving as a reflection of the current political landscape not only in the Netherlands but also in numerous other countries worldwide.

Irena Taskovski, CEO and head of acquisitions at Taskovski Films, stated: “‘Home Game’ serves as a timely warning for our current era. By viewing the world through Lidija Zelovic’s perspective, we tackle the lingering effects of a fragmented Yugoslavia – a region scarred by nationalism and civil war – which resonates strikingly with the escalating wave of right-wing ideologies, nationalistic sentiments, and racial strife that is surging not just in the Netherlands but worldwide.

The movie combines everyday family scenes with the harsh truths of current societal discords, highlighting the alarming similarities between past and present. It provokes thought about what ‘home’ symbolizes in a time of increasing polarization, using humor, insight, and chilling precision. Zelovic encourages viewers worldwide to confront the consequences of repeating historical blunders, encouraging us to resist divisive forces and instead promote unity. This film is a must-watch for anyone aiming to grasp — and alter — their surroundings.

The movie was created by Wout Conijn, from Conijn Film, with joint production by Zelovic at Zelovic Film.

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2024-11-15 17:16