Arriving on an island, a young woman embarks on a journey to discover her identity and place in the world. Her experiences on the island unravel a tapestry of past events, bringing hidden truths to light. As the situation grows increasingly complex, she is driven towards a profound reconciliation and acceptance, starting with herself and gradually encompassing those around her.
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Danis Tanovic is the most acclaimed director from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is his fifth time being submitted for the Oscars. He won the Oscar for No Man's Land in 2002. He was also shortlisted in 2013 for An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker. He was further submitted for Cirkus Columbia in 2010 and Death in Sarajevo in 2016. My Late Summer is now his latest film. The film had its worldwide debut at the Sarajevo Film Festival in August 2024 and it's also played at the Vancouver and Warsaw Film Festivals. It was released across theatres in Croatia in October 2024. Propeler Film handles international sales.
The Oscar entry selection process was overseen by the Bosnian and Herzegovina Film Professionals Association and a commission consisting of director Nermin Hamzagic, casting director and production coordinator Narcisa Cvitanovic, producer Amira Kudumovic, screenwriter Melina Alagic and set designer Emina Kujundzic.
The film is produced by Propeler Film (Croatia), and co-produced by Tangaj Production (Romania), Obala Art Centar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Bas Celik (Serbia) and Tramal Films (Slovenia).
My Late Summer is a drama and it was filmed in Prvic Sepurine, Croatia.
To check out all previous submissions for Bosnia and Herzegovina, click HERE.
“I wanted to run way with you, and now I just want to run away.”
My Late Summer is a captivating dramedy set against the picturesque Croatian island of Prvić, directed by Danis Tanović, the Oscar-winning filmmaker of No Man's Land. This film blends humor and heartfelt moments, telling the story of a woman named Maja, played by Anja Matković, who embarks on a personal quest for answers about her family and her past. The beauty of the island and its charming, eccentric inhabitants make for a refreshing and delightful setting that perfectly complements the film's exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the complexity of family relationships.
Maja, a 30-something woman with a fiery spirit, heads to the island determined to claim an inheritance she believes is hers. What starts as a straightforward mission quickly turns into a personal journey of reflection. The film excels in developing Maja’s character, showing her as both tough and vulnerable. Matković delivers a standout performance, portraying a woman grappling with unresolved issues while finding herself immersed in the life of the island. Her journey feels authentic, enhanced by her interactions with the colorful locals, particularly Icho, the island’s good-natured mayor played by Goran Navojec. Their relationship adds warmth and humor to the film.
Tanović’s decision to co-write the script with Matković and Nikola Kuprešanin was a smart move, as the film’s female lead is nuanced and multi-dimensional. Maja is reminiscent of the strong heroines of classic cinema, balancing sharp wit with emotional depth. Her evolving romance with Saša, played by Uliks Fehmiu, brings tenderness to the film, as Maja realizes that her personal journey echoes her mother’s mistakes. The chemistry between Matković and Fehmiu is believable, making their relationship feel both inevitable and bittersweet.
The island of Prvić is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. Its tranquil beauty, from the cobblestone streets to the sparkling waters, creates an atmosphere of escape and introspection. The island’s off-season quiet adds to the film’s tone of reflection, while the quirky antics of the locals, including a subplot about marijuana plants, provide the perfect balance of comedy. The Feast of Assumption holiday celebration adds a sense of community and tradition that enriches the story, offering a deeper connection to the island’s culture and history.
With stunning cinematography by Miloš Jaćimović and a beautifully melancholic score by Livina Tanović, My Late Summer is visually and emotionally evocative. The film successfully blends lighthearted moments with poignant reflections on life, love, and identity. Tanović shows a lighter side in this charming dramedy, while still infusing the film with thoughtful themes. This touching and visually enchanting film is a testament to the power of self-discovery, wrapped in the beauty and simplicity of island life.