
A teenager is torn between loyalty and political awakening in an intense coming-of-age drama set in the shadow of authoritarian power.
Synopsis
LOST COUNTRY follows 15-year-old Stefan, caught between familial closeness and political reality. While his friends take to the streets in protest, his mother stands at the center of power as a spokesperson for the regime they oppose. What begins as an ordinary youth gradually shifts into a quiet but profound alienation—an internal conflict that resists easy expression.
As the protests intensify, Stefan becomes increasingly aware of the growing distance between himself and his peers. His loyalty to his mother clashes with the convictions of his friends, who openly challenge the political system. Caught between guilt, denial, and rising doubt, he navigates a psychological landscape defined less by external events than by deep inner turmoil.
The film examines questions of responsibility and identity within a politically charged environment. It reveals how structures of power permeate even the most intimate relationships, destabilizing moral certainty. The direction remains restrained and observational, focusing on subjective perception and the difficulty of discerning truth within a climate shaped by propaganda.
LOST COUNTRY premiered in the Semaine de la Critique section at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Grand Prix. Lead actor Jovan Ginić received the Rising Star Award, underscoring the impact of his performance. A film that renders political history as personal experience and invites reflection on one’s own position.
Festivals & Awards
- Director
- Vladimir Perisic
- Genres
- Drama
- Duration (min)
- Year
- Country
- Croatia, France, Luxembourg, Qatar, Serbia
- Rating
- 16
- Subtitles
- English, German


















