tech
March 23, 2026
Grlić and Tomić, 20 Years of the Film 'Karaula': We are Not Standing on the Edge
Rajko Grlić remembers his film 'Karaula' as a 'film of return' – both personal and professional. Twenty years after its premiere, this cult work continues to live among audiences throughout the region, despite the times in which, as he says, 'resurrected nationalisms' are once again on the scene.
TL;DR
- The film 'Karaula,' directed by Rajko Grlić and based on Ante Tomić's novel, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
- It was a significant post-Yugoslavia co-production, bringing together creative teams from across the former republics.
- Grlić recalls the collaborative spirit during filming, highlighting the positive atmosphere and Macedonian hospitality.
- The film was a critical and popular success, with sold-out premieres across the region and a lasting impact despite piracy.
- Both Grlić and Tomić address the label 'Yugonostalgic,' clarifying their sentimentality is towards people and times, not political systems.
- The adaptation from novel to film involved practical decisions, such as changing a character's nationality for casting purposes.
- The film's ability to resonate today is attributed to its human stories, not its political context, though current political climates make such collaborations difficult.
- Tomić emphasizes that the film's characters are good people caught in bad circumstances, and criticizes nationalistic readings as a misunderstanding of art.
- Despite political shifts, audiences, particularly in Serbia, continue to connect with 'Karaula,' with some watching it repeatedly.
- Grlić and Tomić are collaborating on a new comedy, as Grlić believes a 'fierce comedy' is needed for the current times.