Private Project

The Burning Bishop

In Yugoslavia, 1952, an event spread across the world like a fire. On the way to bless the new organ bishop Anton Vovk was burnt alive on the train station by the mob agitated by the communist regime. He survived the assasination and became a strong pillar of faith for the simple Catholic people. Documentary film takes us through his life all the way from his childhood and shines a light on the time after World War II when communist regime took over in Yugoslavia. Bishop is remembered by many whom he confirmed in faith, especially by his strong voice and tall figure.

  • David Sipoš
    Director
    Kresnik: The Lore of Fire
  • Rok Andres
    Writer
  • David Sipoš
    Producer
    Kresnik: The Lore of Fire
  • Tim Žibrat
    Music
    Kresnik: The Lore of Fire
  • Vid Planinc
    Antimations
  • Rok Malovrh
    Illustrations
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Goreči škof
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    54 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 14, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    100,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Slovenia
  • Country of Filming:
    Slovenia
  • Language:
    Slovenian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Festival of Slovenian Film
    Portorož
    Slovenia
    September 16, 2017
    Official Selection
  • Christian Family Film Festival
    Ellington, NY
    United States
    October 1, 2017
    Award of Merit
  • Christian Film Festival
    Newport News, VA
    United States
    December 30, 2017
    Best Documentary
  • International Christian Film Festival
    Orlando, FL
    United States
    Official Selection
  • International New York Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    Semi-Finalist
  • Underground Film Festival

    Official Selection
Director Biography - David Sipoš

David Sipoš grew up in a small town Ptuj in the eastern parts of Slovenia. Despite being a real bookworm in his childhood he constantly found new adventures outside in the nature. After high school he soon decided to start learning about filmmaking on his own and by making short films. His enthusiasm for the movie world led him to the USA where he got new experiences, but Slovenian cultural heritage offered him a lot of stories in his motherland. His latest movies include short fantasy film “Kresnik: The Lore of Fire” with various motifs from Slavic mythology and several feature-length biographical documentaries. David is producer and director at Studio Siposh and works in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

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Director Statement

Documentary film takes us through the life of Archbishop of Ljubljana Anton Vovk. Two sets of interviewees shine a light on the time after World War II when communist regime took over in Yugoslavia. Bishop is remembered by many for his virtues, but mostly the event in 1952 made his figure remembered. Film speaks not just with words but many symbolic motifs, thus painting a picture of Anton Vovk with a broad set of documentary means.