When you think about Serbian cinema, one film immediately stands out – “Battle of Kosovo.” Premiered 36 years ago, this film is not just a historical reminder but a symbol of national pride and cinematic art. But did you know how chaotic, dramatic, and nearly impossible the filming was?
It all started on April 3rd at the impressive Smederevo Fortress, where the entire crew had the task to shoot and edit the film in a record-breaking 90 days. Yes, you read that right – 90 days! In a world where big productions take years, this deadline was pure madness.
While actors and about a thousand extras battled through demanding fight scenes, director Zdravko Šotra and screenwriter Ljubomir Simović had no room for error. Two teams worked in parallel – one filming, the other preparing the sets. Everything had to be perfect because the premiere was set for June 28th, Vidovdan, exactly 600 years after the Battle of Kosovo.
The cast? A true star-studded lineup! Miloš Žutić as Prince Lazar, Gorica Popović as Princess Milica, Žarko Laušević as Miloš Obilić – who almost died during filming! Alongside them were Branislav Lečić, Milan Gutović, Voja Brajović, Katarina Gojković, and many more.
The locations were spectacular: Smederevo Fortress, Deliblato Sands, monasteries, and fortresses across Serbia and Macedonia. They even built the Samodreža church for the scene where the army took communion before the battle.
The budget was modest – about one billion old dinars, just a bit more than the film “Doma vešanje.” Yet, the film became a masterpiece.
Attempts to shoot a new Battle of Kosovo film directed by Predrag Gaga Antonijević with a new cast have yet to materialize, proving how unmatched the original remains.
So next time you watch “Battle of Kosovo,” remember – behind this epic story is a team that worked like their lives depended on it, with a thousand extras, dozens of horses, and only 90 days to turn it into eternity. What do you think, could anyone make such a film today under these conditions? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s for or against this cinematic madness!
