When the War Comes – HBO Europe

Feature documentary

Written and directed by: Jan Gebert
Producers: Radovan Síbrt, Alžběta Karásková
Co-production: HBO Europe, Prag, Hulahop, Zagreb
Color grading & DCP mastering: DCE Zagreb

The film about a paramilitary group which recruits hundreds of teenagers in Slovakia with the government’s silent approval.
At first glance, Peter lives the life of a typical European teenager – he lives with his parents, has a pretty girlfriend, he just got into college. However, his real life is elsewhere – as the head of the paramilitary group called ‘Slovenskí branci’ that recruits hundreds of Slovakian teenagers, with the silent approval of the authorities. The group’s goal is simple – to prepare for wartime and create a model community based on military drill, obedience and fear. Peter dreams of one day being able to convince the entire society, as a great politician. The film portrays a leader’s rise to power and touches on very topical themes of nationalism and the mechanism of power.

Official selection Berlinale 2018 – Opening film Panorama Dokumente Nominated for the Glashütte Original Documentary Award

Winner of:

Zagreb DoX: Movies that Matter Award – Special mention
LET’S CEE: Best Documentary
One World Slovakia: Main Award
Astra Film Festival: Best Documentary in the Central & Eastern Europe Award
Silver Eye Award: Best East & Central European Documentary Film
Festival Dei Popoli: Best Anthropological Film
Nominated for Czech Film Critic Award – Best Documentary

Festivals: