THERE, WHERE THE WALNUT TREE IS
The documentary tells the captivating story of the founding and construction of a monastery, narrated through the experience of Abbess Mother Zlata (Pantelić), who spontaneously guides the viewer through this miraculous process. Starting with her arrival at the location of the future monastery, Mother Zlata, through her personal impressions and experiences, as well as with the help of archival video and audio recordings, reveals the deep spiritual and practical aspects of this monumental undertaking.
The film uses authentic archival material that depicts precious moments from the monastery's construction. Although the technical quality of the footage varies, its authenticity prevails. Through this archival material and narration, the viewer gains an inner insight into all the challenges and joys that accompanied the monastery's establishment, through the experience of the Abbess, who was not only the superior of the future temple but also a direct participant, witness, and guide in this process.
The significant role of Patriarch Irinej and Metropolitan Amfilohije is also present through their inspirational speeches, preserved on film, adding depth and strength to the narrative. Their support and spiritual leadership were crucial to the success of this endeavor and deeply influenced all the participants.
The film also portrays dedicated individuals who, as part of this project, found spiritual renewal and meaning. Carefully integrated archival audio recordings, such as radio and TV shows, accompany the narration, adding layers of emotional and spiritual depth to the entire process of the monastery's creation.
In the end, the film does not only document the physical construction of the monastery but also the profound spiritual transformation that occurred within the community. Through the experience of Abbess Mother Zlata, the film illuminates the process that merged spiritual and physical labor, creating not only a monastery as a place but also a new spiritual reality for all who were involved in this sacred endeavor.
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Slavko KostićDirector
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Slavko KostićWriter
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Mother Zlata (Pantelić)Producer
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Project Title (Original Language):ТУ, ГДЕ ЈЕ ОНАЈ ОРАХ
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:39 minutes 3 seconds
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Completion Date:December 10, 2024
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Country of Origin:Serbia
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Country of Filming:Serbia
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Language:Serbian
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Slavko Kostić is a Serbian director, environmental engineer, and photographer, born on February 20, 1978, in Belgrade, Serbia, where he currently resides and works. Although he does not have formal film education, Kostić has been actively involved in filmmaking since 2012, focusing on environmental and social issues. In addition to directing films, he has worked on several music videos and is passionate about photography.
Kostić's film career is marked by a series of short films that have garnered international attention at various film festivals. His notable works include:
• "THERE, WHERE THE WALNUT TREE IS / ТУ, ГДЕ ЈЕ ОНАЈ ОРАХ" (2024)
• "Dreamer" (2022) – Official Selection at the International Green Culture Festival Green Fest 2022.
• "Our Water" (2020) – Semi-finalist at the SEA Film Festival 2022, Quarter-finalist at the Neum Underwater Film Festival 2021, and Nominee at Green Fest in Belgrade 2021. It was also an Official Selection at the International Underwater Film Festival in Belgrade 2020.
• "The Return" (2020) – Official Selection at the ICAN/HANNA International Film Festival 2021, International Green Screen Fest 2020 in Belgrade, and the KARAVAN Short Film Festival 2020.
• "Alongside Us" (2015) – Official Selection at the International Green Screen Fest 2015 in Belgrade.
• "Earth and Us" (2013) – Official Selection at the Green Screen Fest 2013 in Belgrade.
• "Heart of Belgrade" (2012) – Official Selection at the Green Screen Fest 2012 in Belgrade, the International Environmental Film Festival "Green Vision" in St. Petersburg 2013, and IUTIT in Uherské Hradiště, Czech Republic 2013.
Through his work, Kostić explores pressing environmental and social issues, contributing to global conversations on sustainability and social change.