Croatia is celebrating its first-ever Oscar nomination for The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, a short film by Nebojša Slijepčević. The historic nod marks a monumental achievement for the country's film industry.
At a packed press conference in Zagreb, Slijepčević shared his excitement, saying, "This is just the beginning; the real challenge is the campaign ahead." Actor Goran Bogdan admitted to being "excited and superstitious" as the team faces fierce competition for Hollywood’s most coveted prize.
The film, inspired by a column from Boris Dežulović, tells a universal story of heroism and human sacrifice. "Tomo Buzov, the film’s central figure, is a hero whose story needs to be remembered," Slijepčević said.
Producer Danijel Pek revealed the arduous process behind the nomination, describing it as "one of the most complex projects I’ve ever worked on." Despite limited resources compared to major productions, the team is determined to fight for every vote.
Croatia’s Culture Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek called the nomination "a historic day for Croatian cinema." With the campaign now in full swing, all eyes are on the Academy Awards, where this small nation could make a big splash.