{"id":4517,"date":"2025-07-30T22:02:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T22:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/?p=4517"},"modified":"2025-07-30T22:18:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T22:18:02","slug":"great-directors-are-master-merchants-of-dreams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/en\/great-directors-are-master-merchants-of-dreams\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cGreat Directors are Master Merchants of Dreams\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Written by: Gea Vlahovi\u0107 <br>Photos: Tomislav Mari\u0107 <\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>History is written by the victors, but art can tell it from a different angle \u2013 from the perspective of the individual, from forgotten fragments, from the emotion that cannot be recorded in archival documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This thought aptly reflects the film work of Jakov Sedlar, a director unafraid to delve into the cracks of history and question the narratives that have shaped our collective consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Born in 1952 in Split, Sedlar began his career in theatre before establishing himself as one of the most well-known Croatian filmmakers specializing in historical and political themes. He has worked in Israel and the United States, collaborating with renowned actors and producers, and has directed a number of documentary and feature films, often dedicated to key moments in Croatian and world history. His films frequently provoke strong reactions \u2013 ranging from admiration to fierce debate and criticism \u2013 but one thing is certain: Jakov Sedlar leaves no one indifferent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we await the premiere of his latest film \u201c260 Days\u201d, which tells the story of the Gubin family who endured the horrors of captivity and forced labour in the eastern Slavonian town of Dalj during the Croatian War of Independence, Sedlar has assembled a stellar cast led by Hollywood star Tim Roth. In an interview with Symbol, Sedlar reveals what drew him to this subject, how he approaches historical events on film, where he draws the line between artistic interpretation and documentary responsibility, and how he views the controversies surrounding his work \u2013 as obstacles or as confirmation that he is tackling topics that still burn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9407-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4486\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9407-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9407-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9407-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9407-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9407.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When choosing the stories you want to tell on film, what drives you the most: the emotional strength of the story, its historical significance, or the visual potential you see in the material?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s always a combination, but if I had to name the decisive factor, it would be the story\u2019s potential emotional power. Emotion is what drives everything important in life \u2013 and that includes film stories. Reason, of course, isn\u2019t insignificant, but still&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A<strong>s a director who often works with historical themes, how do you balance facts and artistic interpretation? What are the challenges of portraying controversial topics on film, especially in the context of Croatian history? Is there a point where historical accuracy must give way to dramatization?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When dealing with historical themes\u2014especially in documentaries\u2014facts must never be bypassed. There\u2019s always a way to approach a subject in your own way and make it personal, but if you ignore the facts, then your personal vision lacks the power such a work should have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To me personally, nothing is controversial, even though many of the projects I\u2019ve worked on have been labelled as such. I think our society still hasn\u2019t matured enough to accept circumstances and life as they truly are, with all the good and bad. I\u2019ve worked on subjects like Stepinac (even during communism), Tu\u0111man, Tito, Paveli\u0107, and Israeli leaders such as Sharon, Barak, Hod, Amit&#8230; For me, these were above all challenging destinies and characters who shaped history in very delicate situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of them did what they did, and I tried to offer viewers what I personally found most interesting about those characters and the circumstances that shaped them\u2014just as they, in turn, shaped the circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4488\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-grada-Zagreba-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-grada-Zagreba-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-grada-Zagreba-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-grada-Zagreba-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-grada-Zagreba.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">THE AWARD OF THE VITY OF ZAGREB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4490\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-u-Veneciji-2004.-za-film-Syndrome-Jerusalem--720x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-u-Veneciji-2004.-za-film-Syndrome-Jerusalem--720x1024.jpg 720w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-u-Veneciji-2004.-za-film-Syndrome-Jerusalem--211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-u-Veneciji-2004.-za-film-Syndrome-Jerusalem--768x1092.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-u-Veneciji-2004.-za-film-Syndrome-Jerusalem--1080x1536.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Nagrada-u-Veneciji-2004.-za-film-Syndrome-Jerusalem-.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">THE AWARD FOR THE FILM<br>&#8220;SYNDROME JERUSALEM&#8221; (VENICE, 2004)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your work often provokes strong reactions\u2014ranging from high praise to sharp criticism. How do you cope with such polarized perceptions of your creative work? Do you believe an artist should provoke, or is it more important to build consensus?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I never think about whether one of my films will be praised or criticized. Always\u2014absolutely always\u2014I try to put the best part of myself into the stories I want to tell, so I have no issues with my conscience or any potential manipulation of a subject. I care little about consensus, especially when it comes to so-called political correctness. I sign my films, and I stand behind them, regardless of criticism. I\u2019ve never depended on reviews in the sense of whether or not I would get another job based on the current success or failure of a film, because I\u2019ve always found subjects that intrigued people willing to invest in film\u2014and I believe that\u2019s key. After all, someone may have a brilliant idea, but if there\u2019s no one to back it financially, then it\u2019s a dead idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s happened to me too\u2014having a \u201cbrilliant\u201d idea, but with no one to support it, so I moved on. That doesn\u2019t mean I gave up on it. For example, I still want to realize my favorite short novel, Tonio Kr\u00f6ger by Thomas Mann, but whether I\u2019ll ever succeed\u2014I don\u2019t know. I have the same passion for that potential film now as I did 30 years ago when the script was written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ve worked with many global acting stars. Who left the strongest impression on you, and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a great blessing to work with true greats, because Martin Sheen, Michael York, James Earl Jones, Derek Jacobi, Kevin Spacey, Tim Roth\u2026 they didn\u2019t become legends just because someone declared them so after starring in a soap opera\u2014they earned that status through immense talent, hard work, and real success. Each of them (along with several others I\u2019ve worked with) is fascinating in the way they work, their personalities, their knowledge, and the human way they interact with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, Martin Sheen preferred to travel around Zagreb by tram, because it allowed him to observe how people behave and react, to hear the language, and sometimes even chat with someone who recognized him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kevin Spacey is a top-tier intellectual with fascinating knowledge! Ask him about the best spaghetti, the best restaurant in Hawaii, or to recite a Shakespeare monologue\u2014he\u2019s ready to answer any of that on the spot without hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"764\" data-id=\"4502\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Paulo-Coelho-1024x764.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Paulo-Coelho-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Paulo-Coelho-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Paulo-Coelho-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Paulo-Coelho.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PAULO COELHO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"756\" data-id=\"4500\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Spielberg-1024x756.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Spielberg-1024x756.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Spielberg-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Spielberg-768x567.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Spielberg.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">STEVEN SPIELBERG<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"4504\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michael-York-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michael-York-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michael-York-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michael-York-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michael-York-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">MICHAEL YORK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"4496\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Julija-Tymoshenko-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Julija-Tymoshenko-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Julija-Tymoshenko-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Julija-Tymoshenko-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Julija-Tymoshenko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">JULIJA TIMO\u0160ENKO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4506\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ena-Begovic-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ena-Begovic-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ena-Begovic-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ena-Begovic-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ena-Begovic-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ENA BEGOVI\u0106 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"753\" data-id=\"4492\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Liv-Ullmann-1024x753.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Liv-Ullmann-1024x753.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Liv-Ullmann-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Liv-Ullmann-768x565.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Liv-Ullmann.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LIV ULLMANN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It may be less known that in your youth you were actively involved in sports\u2014you played water polo for the Yugoslav national team. How did that experience influence your later artistic work? Is there something from the sports mindset\u2014discipline, teamwork, competitive spirit\u2014that you carried over into your approach as a director?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sport is a key part of my life\u2014it definitely shaped my character. My father was a baker in Split, and I had nothing except a group of friends on my street in the middle of Marjan, but the pool was only five minutes from my house, so I became a member of \u201cJadran\u201d at an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going through all the ranks\u2014from junior categories to first-team player and national team member, and eventually becoming the starting goalkeeper for the world club champion, Zagreb\u2019s \u201cMladost\u201d\u2014I realized that the key element in any job is being aware of whether you\u2019re truly capable of doing what you\u2019ve chosen. And if you are, then there are no limits in work and perseverance. There\u2019s no stopping or giving up\u2014that\u2019s never an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sport, of course, also taught me how to lose (though that didn\u2019t happen often, since the teams I played for were excellent), and that\u2019s a very important life lesson. Everything I learned in sports has had a major impact on what I\u2019ve done and what I will do. Honestly, I believe sport is much fairer than art, because sporting results are measurable\u2014you see them immediately\u2014while many artists were only recognized after their deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We are now anticipating the premiere of your latest film, \u201c260 Days,\u201d which tells the story of the Gubina family during the Homeland War. Among others, the film stars Tim Roth, a major name in world cinema. How did you attract him to this project, and how did he, as a foreigner, perceive the story of the Homeland War?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The film is finished, and I believe it\u2019s the best film I\u2019ve ever made. At its core is the fascinating life story of Marijan Gubina. My son Dominik wrote an excellent script, and the team we managed to assemble is truly outstanding. Of course, the legendary Tim Roth is the most prominent name, and he came on board in the usual way when dealing with actors of that level. First, you need a script that both he and his agent like. Then they ask who is directing the film, and if that checks out\u2014you need to have the money. And finally, there\u2019s the issue of whether he\u2019s available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He liked everything, but was especially moved by the wartime story of young Marijan (Roth plays the adult Marijan), who, along with his family, endured immense suffering during 260 days of enslavement by a Serbian family in 1991. We spoke a lot about the war, and he was particularly pleased that the character he portrays carries no spirit of revenge (even though he certainly could), but is instead a man dedicated to making sure such a situation never happens again\u2014anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roth watched a great deal of documentary footage and learned about everything our people went through during those hard times. His performance and the way he brought the character to life are incredible. He is a truly special actor, a living legend, one of the greats, and his appearance in the film is an enormous asset to the entire project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"699\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kevin-Spacey-699x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kevin-Spacey-699x1024.jpg 699w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kevin-Spacey-205x300.jpg 205w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kevin-Spacey-768x1126.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kevin-Spacey-1048x1536.jpg 1048w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kevin-Spacey.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 699px) 100vw, 699px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">KEVIN SPACEY &amp; JAKOV SEDLAR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The involvement of international actors raises the question of the story\u2019s universality. Can a film about the Homeland War truly transcend national borders and become relevant in the global discourse on war trauma? What kind of reactions do you expect outside of Croatia?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a universal story, one that could easily happen today\u2014in Ukraine, for instance. In every war, the innocent suffer the most, especially children. Suffering is universal, particularly the suffering that comes with war, so there are no barriers in that sense. That\u2019s why the English language isn\u2019t an obstacle either, and the quality of the performances by excellent American and British actors (along with four outstanding Croatian actors) can only enhance the clarity and emotional impact of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I expect that international audiences\u2014those outside Croatia\u2014will, for the first time, be able to truly see how the Homeland Defence War began. A film like this, with a cast of this calibre, has never been made before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Historical themes often walk a fine line\u2014between moral responsibility to truth and artistic freedom of interpretation. In 260 Days, did you rely more on authentic testimony, or did you intentionally dramatize certain parts to achieve a stronger emotional effect?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>260 Days is based largely on real events. The only dramatized parts are the links between individual scenes, intended to make the narrative clearer. But in many segments, the film will feel almost like a documentary. Moral responsibility is always present, especially with themes like this. In this case, it was even more so\u2014because the central figure, Marijan Gubina, was often on set during filming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Film has always been a powerful medium in shaping cultural myths and collective memory. Do you believe that in today\u2019s society, film still holds that power, or has it been overtaken by other media and forms of storytelling?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Film has always had that power, and I believe it always will. There\u2019s something mystical about film\u2014something people love, long for, and dream about. That\u2019s why there\u2019s so much debate and controversy around many films. Because in every person\u2019s consciousness live images from films like Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, Cabaret, Citizen Kane, Se7en&#8230; I don\u2019t think there\u2019s a single person on Earth who hasn\u2019t imagined themselves as a film hero. In fact, a huge number of people want to work in film for precisely those reasons. Film is truly a magical art form, one that people will never grow tired of. Television has tremendous power, but I would say it\u2019s prose\u2014while film is poetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Papa-Ivan-Pavao-Drugi2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4510\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Papa-Ivan-Pavao-Drugi2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Papa-Ivan-Pavao-Drugi2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Papa-Ivan-Pavao-Drugi2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Papa-Ivan-Pavao-Drugi2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IVAN PAVAO II.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Many of your films deal with the fates of individuals caught in major social and historical upheavals. How important is the psychological dimension of characters in your films, and how much time do you spend researching their inner worlds before shaping them on screen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Character research is a demanding but necessary part of any film that deals with figures caught in great historical turmoil. Today, it\u2019s much easier because of the internet, but even so, one must be cautious, as a lot of information is inaccurate or deliberately distorted. That\u2019s why researchers are often key in the preparation process for such projects. To portray a complete picture of a person, you have to know many things that might not even be shown in a scene\u2014but you\u2019ll express them in another way. That research phase can be absolutely crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you could make a film about any artist in history\u2014regardless of budget or limitations\u2014who would it be and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That would definitely be Orson Welles. A true Renaissance man, about whom I (together with my son) made a documentary film that featured Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Paul Mazursky, and of course Oja Kodar, the love of his life. His life and everything he left behind is fascinating and unrepeatable. The greatest film figure of all time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In the era of streaming platforms and digital distribution, how do you see the future of cinema? Can film still be experienced as a collective experience, or are modern technologies inevitably pushing us toward individual viewing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For me personally, film has always been a very individual experience when it comes to viewing. That\u2019s why I love the movie theatre\u2014not watching films on television. I don\u2019t like talking or being interrupted in any way during my connection to what I\u2019m watching. Even though today it\u2019s possible to watch films on a mobile phone\u2014and who knows what\u2019s next\u2014cinema remains something magical to me, and I wouldn\u2019t trade it for anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Given your extensive experience in directing, what advice would you give to young filmmakers in Croatia today? What are the biggest challenges, and where do you see room for innovation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Freedom is the most important part of our existence. Spaces of freedom are limitless\u2014they give us the most natural thing of all: the ability to realize our dreams. That\u2019s why I believe the most important thing for young directors is not to become slaves to a system that gives non-refundable funds but doesn\u2019t care about results, which is often the case here in Croatia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A young person has endless energy and passion (if they\u2019re truly meant for this), and no system can set limits that will control you. Receiving state funding can create a false sense of comfort, but the true meaning of our work is the fight for a better world and for dreams\u2014whatever those dreams may be. Successful directors are good merchants of dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"851\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Tim-Roth-Dominik-Sedlar-i-ja-1024x851.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Tim-Roth-Dominik-Sedlar-i-ja-1024x851.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Tim-Roth-Dominik-Sedlar-i-ja-300x249.jpg 300w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Tim-Roth-Dominik-Sedlar-i-ja-768x638.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Tim-Roth-Dominik-Sedlar-i-ja.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">JAKOV SEDLAR, TIM ROTH, JAKOV SEDLAR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ve spent nearly half a century actively working, with an extensive filmography and a significant number of theater productions under your belt\u2014but it doesn\u2019t seem like you\u2019re ready to stop. What would it take for you to feel satisfied enough to retire from directing? Do you think that will ever happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will never retire\u2014ever! If someone said to me: \u201cHere\u2019s as much money as you want, here are all the riches of the world\u2014but you have to stop doing your work,\u201d I would politely decline. My work is the meaning of my existence. That\u2019s how I\u2019ve always thought and how I\u2019ve always lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Looking back on your rich career, what are you most proud of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are films I\u2019m prouder of than others\u2014though I love them all\u2014but some I would probably do a bit differently today. However, I absolutely don\u2019t want to overlook my quarter-century at the Croatian National Theatre, especially the time when I was Head of Drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a difficult time\u2014the war years\u2014when, together with the general manager, the great Georgij Paro, and the heads of ballet and opera, Milko \u0160paremblek, Almira Osmanovi\u0107, Igor Kuljeri\u0107, and Vladimir Kranj\u010devi\u0107, we maintained a remarkable repertoire at the highest level through superhuman effort. I led the HNK Drama ensemble on three unforgettable world tours across North and South America, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Representing Croatia\u2019s largest and most important theater were legendary actors like Vanja Drach, Tonko Lonza, Neva Ro\u0161i\u0107, Ena Begovi\u0107, Boris Buzan\u010di\u0107, Ivo Gregurevi\u0107, Mustafa Nadarevi\u0107&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first time, Croatians abroad had the opportunity to see the best actors of their homeland perform live, and those actors, in the midst of war in Croatia, had the opportunity to appear on stages in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Sydney&#8230;I often think back to that truly heroic time, when none of us knew what tomorrow would bring, yet we were ready for anything. The collaboration with acting and directing giants\u2014who, sadly, seem to have no true successors in today\u2019s world\u2014was simply unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9371-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4514\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9371-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9371-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9371-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9371-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/symbol-quorum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MG_9371.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we count down to the premiere of 260 Days, we sat down with director Jakov Sedlar \u2014 a filmmaker<br \/>\nwhose work never fails to spark a reaction<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4484,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[37],"class_list":["post-4517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-art","tag-published"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.3 - 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