culture
March 22, 2026
Half a Century of the Film 'The Beach Guardian in Winter': Irfan Mensur's Big Interview for Danas on Paskaljević, Bata Stojković, and the Spirit of Yugoslav Film
Half a century since the premiere of the film 'The Beach Guardian in Winter', one of the most significant achievements of Yugoslav auteur cinema, actor Irfan Mensur in an interview for Danas reminisced about the beginnings of his career, his collaboration with director Goran Paskaljević, and working with greats of domestic acting such as Bata Stojković, Pavle Vujisić, and Mira Banjac.
TL;DR
- Irfan Mensur reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Yugoslav film 'The Beach Guardian in Winter'.
- He details how director Goran Paskaljević, whom he barely knew, cast him in the leading role.
- Mensur shares anecdotes about the film's quick 21-day shoot and its reception at the Berlinale.
- He recounts his special relationship with actor Bata Stojković, who affectionately called him 'sine' (son).
- Mensur contrasts the former Yugoslav film market (22 million viewers) with current regional productions.
- He notes the passing of most of the film's cast and crew, with only Mira Banjac still alive.
- Mensur is currently involved in new regional co-productions, feeling reconnected to the former Yugoslavia.
- A past falling out and subsequent reconciliation with Goran Paskaljević is also mentioned.
Continue reading the original article