Directed by Josip Žuvan
Starring: Franko Floigl, Mauro Ercegović Gracin, Zdenko Jelčić, Marija Škaričić, Asja Jovanović, Ivana Roščić
Drama - Croatia, Serbia - 2022 - 1h53
Spoken in Croatian, subtitled in English and Romanian
Antonio and Nikola are inseparable friends who live across the street from each other and share a love for pyrotechnics and cell phones. Their families have been feuding for years because of what seems to be an easily solvable problem: water flowing from the upper to the lower house. The friendship of the two boys on the threshold of puberty will be put to the test during the Christmas holidays when much more dangerous secrets and interests are revealed between the two families, and the hatred of the elders is being transferred to the children via the water. The film got its name from a local mineral that, in contact with water, releases a flammable gas that gives a powerful detonation when combined with flame.
"Josip Žuvan's debut about the squabbling between two families and their children who covet online fame is rich in detail and convincingly depicts everyday life in Croatia today. (...) The two lead actors shine in the roles they have been given. (...) Without being explosive, the film thrums with tension." (Marko Stojiljković, cineuropa.org).
Festivals and awards:
Pula Film Festival (Best Debut, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Special Effects), San Sebastián International Film Festival
Screening followed by a QA with director Josip Žuvan