The Serbian film "Sunce nikad više" (The Sun Never Sets Again) has been chosen as the nation's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.
This selection by a special commission highlights the film's profound and universally resonant themes, delving into the devastating consequences of unchecked greed and the pursuit of power by multinational mining corporations. The narrative illustrates their detrimental impact on both human communities and the natural environment. The selection committee lauded the film for its cohesive tragic storyline, presented through a distinctive lens of stylized, poetic naturalism, blending stark reality with lyrical storytelling to capture the resilience of the human spirit.
Director David Jovanović drew inspiration from his own upbringing in a mining village, where he witnessed firsthand the environmental degradation and erosion of community well-being linked to mining operations. His grandmother's struggle with pulmonary fibrosis due to environmental conditions near a mine deeply informed the film's portrayal of the human cost of such endeavors. The film's exploration of these themes is particularly relevant given the global impact of mining on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and water contamination.
The film features a compelling cast, including Dušan Jovičić, Rastko Račić, and Svetozar Cvetković, whose performance has already garnered recognition. "Sunce nikad više" premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2024 and is noted for its unique blend of a father-son relationship against the backdrop of an environmental crisis. The narrative follows Vid, a father whose home is threatened by mining expansion, and his son Dule, whose imaginative perspective offers a counterpoint to the harsh realities. Serbia's selection of "Sunce nikad više" marks a significant moment, as the country has yet to secure an Oscar nomination. The film stands as a testament to cinema's power to address critical global issues, offering a poignant look at the intricate relationship between industry, environment, and humanity.