Be Realistic, Demand the Impossible
The film explores themes of belonging, identity, integration, discrimination and immigration through the lives of a courageous and self-ironic couple in their mid 50s. She is a former professor of Croatian language and literature, SNJEŽANA KLARIĆ, and he is one of the leading Croatian conceptual artists, with a reputation as an enfant terrible, SINIŠA LABROVIĆ. Frustrated by the socio-political situation in Croatia and wanting to secure a better life, they embark on a journey from Croatia to the “land of milk and honey” - Germany, with only one plan - “never to go back to Croatia”. Upon their arrival in a foreign environment, they face a harsh reality. Grappling with language barriers, Snježana only finds employment as a cleaning lady in wealthy households. Siniša’s attempt to break into Berlin’s art scene results with failed performance. The struggle of integration intensifies their life situation, leading to frequent and heated arguments. A failed attempt at relocating and being forced to pay an Airbnb accommodation cast doubt on their decision to move to Berlin, triggering more frequent conflicts. Snježana's struggle plunges her into depression, while Siniša's art commitments wane, prompting him to take a job in a tea packing factory. During Snježana’s hospital treatment, she discovers a passion for becoming a theatre pedagogue and enrolls in training. Siniša receives an invitation from a prestigious Berlin theatre to showcase his performance to the Berlin audience. However, privately, their marriage comes apart, and Siniša has to find a new apartment. After successful graduation, Snježana finds a job as a theatre pedagogue. Siniša establishes connections with a German NGO that supports artists from the former Yugoslavia, enabling him to achieve his most ambitious performance yet. In a nutshell, this film blends cinéma vérité and performative art, inviting us to witness the bare truth of life, without masks and acting.