Kino Otok - Isola Cinema
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Eighty Plus

Eighty Plus / Restucija, ili, San i java stare garde

Želimir Žilnik, Serbia, Slovenia, 2025, 118′

After spending six decades living in Germany, ageing jazz pianist Stevan returns to Serbia. After lengthy legal proceedings, the government confirms that he can inherit the neglected mansion of his childhood thanks to post-socialist property restitution. A series of encounters and reunions unexpectedly opens a new chapter in Stevan’s life, revealing his rich life and compassionate heart.

“In my youth in the 1950s the country was poor and recovering from war, but cinema was our escape. It showed us the world. I’ve always believed that film is not just storytelling; it’s life in motion. I try to create a relaxed environment where the actors feel free. That gives the film its energy. Also, I want to show people with dignity – neither victims nor heroes, just human beings trying to live with integrity. Eighty Plus is about dignity, too. I honestly didn’t expect it to resonate so widely. I thought it was a quiet, almost museum-like film. But people connect with the character. It’s not just about a house; it’s about accepting life, time and family.” – Želimir Žilnik

Želimir Žilnik (1942, Yugoslavia) is an artist-filmmaker from Novi Sad, Serbia. In his highly prolific career, Žilnik has made over 50 feature and short films, which have been exhibited internationally at film festivals including Berlin, Toronto, Rotterdam, Moscow and Oberhausen.  From the late 60s, his socially engaged films in former Yugoslavia earned him accolades, but also censorship in the 70s and the 90s for his unflinching criticism of the government apparatus. His power to observe and unleash compelling narratives out of the lives of ordinary people is the common thread throughout his work.

The film will be introduced by the Kino Otok festival team.

The screening is part of a special programme we are preparing in collaboration with Kosovelov dom Sežana as part of the 21st International Film Festival Kino Otok – Isola Cinema.

Schedule

Kino Otok in Sežana
Location: Otok Elsewhere - Kosovelov dom Sežana
Date: 27. September 2025
Time: 17:00
Program category: Films and Guests
Section category: Otok drugod