Wondrous Is the Silence of My Master 

Otapanje vladara / Wondrous Is the Silence of My Master 

Ivan Salatić, Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, France, Italy, 2025, 93’

A mesmerising historical drama about a 19th century Montenegrin poet and ruler and his servant; about homesickness, roots, loyalty, and myths of historical figures.

In 19th-century Montenegro, tribes led by a poet and bishop named Morlak are locked in an age-old struggle against a common enemy. When Morlak falls gravely ill, he sets out in search of a cure, leaving behind his war-torn homeland. Along with his daughter and two loyal servants, Morlak settles in a remote house in southern Italy, hoping for healing and peace. Torn between duty and homesickness, his most devoted companion Djuko is consumed by a deep sense of nostalgia, paranoia and fear. Grappling with the looming prospect of his Master‘s death far from home and an increasing feeling of jealousy when Morlak grows closer to a visiting scholar, Djuko‘s mind begins to unravel, pushing him to the limits of his endurance and imagination. Djuko’s jealousy erupts into violence as Morlak’s return home signals the end of his reign. 

“In Wondrous is the Silence of My Master, I aimed to offer an alternative perspective on the historical portrayal of Montenegro, challenging the 19th-century views that still shape its cultural and political identity. These views are often defined by conservatism, patriarchy, and a struggle to reconcile with the modern world. While historical figures and events inspired the film‘s narrative, my goal was to create a work of fiction — a reimagined view of the Mediterranean in the 19th century. /…/  

My starting point was also an important historical figure in Montenegro, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who was a poet, ruler, and bishop. Though I was not initially interested in his persona, he intrigued me because, throughout the 20th century, he was embraced by communists and then nationalists that both used him to fit their narratives. He became a mythical figure, surrounded by an air of mystique, and was considered one of the best writers in Yugoslavia.” – Ivan Salatić 

Ivan Salatić’s works have been shown and awarded at numerous international festivals. His short film Backyards premiered in the Orizzonti section of the Venice IFF in 2015. His first feature film, You Have the Night, was also presented at the Venice IFF, in the International Critics’ Week in 2018, marking the first time a Montenegrin film was selected for this program. He co-founded Meander Film, a Montenegro based production company.  

Ivan Salatić will join us for a discussion after the screening.