Serbian director Emilija Gašić is set to follow her highly acclaimed film “78 Days” with a captivating new psychological thriller titled “Witches.” In an exclusive interview with Variety, Gašić reveals that the film will be atmospheric, tense, and filled with scary elements.
Gašić has always been drawn to the scary aspects of films, particularly those that include moments of comic relief. Growing up in Serbia, she was surrounded by stories and legends that were rooted in superstitions and pagan traditions. With “Witches,” she aims to explore these unique traditions while also drawing inspiration from films like Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “The Double Life of Veronique” and Michael Haneke’s “Hidden.”
The film centers around a woman going through menopause, who finds herself lacking support from her loved ones and the healthcare system. In her desperation, she turns to an elderly folk healer from a nearby village for help. As the story unfolds, she is asked to perform a series of rituals to lift a supposed curse.
Gašić explains that there are still revered healers in some villages of Serbia, and she wants to tap into that rich heritage. She aims to merge genres and tell untold stories, just like she did in her debut feature “78 Days.” Serbia’s specific mythology and folktales provide a fertile ground for these types of films.
The director also expresses her love for films that create an eerie atmosphere and make viewers feel uncomfortable. She finds inspiration in the work of Ruben Östlund, who can seamlessly blend family drama with horror and humor.
Gašić wants her local stories to have a universal appeal and be seen beyond Serbia’s borders. With “78 Days,” she delved into the 1999 NATO bombings of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War, drawing from her own experiences and those of others. The film, although fictional, was shot on Hi8 tapes, using equipment from the late 90s, to create a found footage documentary aesthetic.
“78 Days” follows three sisters who start a video diary in their countryside home, documenting their daily lives amidst air raid siren blasts and the absence of their father. The film portrays moments of tenderness and togetherness amid a challenging situation, emphasizing the human desire to remember only the happy things.
Gašić and her cinematographer, Inés Gowland, faced a learning curve while working with the dated technology of Hi8 tapes. They researched and consulted with technicians in New York to recreate the style of the era. Gašić even turned to old home videos, including her own, to better understand the spontaneity and perspective of children filming.
Through the process of making “78 Days,” the cast formed a real bond, with the actresses feeling like sisters and a family. The film captures innocent moments of children having fun during a difficult time, preserving their unique experiences.
Produced by Set Sail Films, “78 Days” is sold by Lights On and has received critical acclaim. Gašić’s upcoming film, “Witches,” promises to be another gripping addition to her body of work. With her dedication to storytelling and the exploration of unique traditions, Gašić continues to leave her mark on the film industry.