Director: Ivan Salatić
2025 / Montenegro, Italy, Serbia, Croatia, France / 93'
WONDROUS IS THE SILENCE OF MY MASTER
In 19th century Montenegro, tribes led by a poet and a bishop named Morlak are locked in an age-old struggle against a common enemy. When Morlak falls gravely ill, he sets out in search of a cure, leaving behind his war-torn homeland. Along with his daughter and two loyal servants, Morlak settles in a remote house in southern Italy, hoping for healing and peace.
Torn between duty and homesickness, his most devoted companion Djuko, is consumed by a deep sense of nostalgia, paranoia, and fear. Grappling with the looming prospect of his master’s death far from home and an increasing feeling of jealousy when Morlak grows closer to a visiting scholar, Djuko’s mind begins to unravel, pushing him to the limits of his endurance and imagination. Djuko’s jealousy erupts into violence as Morlak’s return home signals the end of his reign.
International Film Festival Rotterdam 2025 / Tiger Competition / WORLD PREMIERE
Hong Kong International Film Festival 2025 / Young Cinema
In Wondrous is the Silence of My Master, I aimed to offer an alternative perspective on the historical portrayal of Montenegro, challenging the 19th-century views that still shape its cultural and political identity. These views are often defined by conservatism, patriarchy, and a struggle to reconcile with the modern world. While historical figures and events inspired the film‘s narrative, my goal was to create a work of fiction — a reimagined view of the Mediterranean in the 19th century.
Director's statement
Ivan Salatić‘s works have been showcased and awarded at numerous international festivals. Salatić‘s short film Backyards premiered in the Orizzonti section of the Venice International Film Festival in 2015. His first feature film, You Have the Night, was also presented at the Venice International Film Festival, in the International Critics’ Week in 2018, marking the first time a Montenegrin film was selected for this program. He co-founded Meander Film, a Montenegro based production company. He lives in Belgrade.
Director's biography
FORMAT: Feature-length fiction film
LANGUAGE: Serbo-croatian, Italian, French
SUBTITLES AVAILABLE: English
LENGTH: 93 minutes
COUNTRIES OF PRODUCTION: Montenegro, Italy, Serbia, Croatia, France
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Meander Film
CO-PRODUCTION: Nightswim, Bocalupo Films, Dinaridi Film, Non-Aligned Films
PRODUCERS: Jelena Angelovski, Dušan Kasalica
CO-PRODUCERS: Ines Vasiljević, Stefano Sardo, Jasmina Sijerčić,Tena Gojić, Dragana Jovović, Stefan Ivančić, Ognjen Glavonić
Meander Film Production / meanderfilm.me
SUPPORTED BY: Filmski centar Crne Gore, Ministero della Cultura, Film Commission Regione Campania, Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée - CNC, Hrvatski audiovizuelni centar - HAVC, Filmski centar Srbije, Radio-televizija Crne Gore, EURIMAGES, MEDIA - Creative Europe
WRITER AND DIRECTOR: Ivan Salatić
CAST: Marko Pogačar, Luka Petrone, Tea Ljubešić, Vanja Matić,
Jakov Zovko, Aleksa Lukić, Igor Božanić, Vladimir Milošević
SET DESIGNERS: Dragana Baćović, Marija Mitrić, Vincenzo Ricco
COSTUME DESIGNERS: Lidija Andrić, Tijana Milutinović, Dejana Sremčević
EDITOR: Jelena Maksimović
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ivan Marković
SOUND DESIGNER: Amaury Arboun
RE-RECORDING MIXER: Simon Apostolou
ORIGINAL SCORE: Mai Mai Mai – Toni Cutrone
"Ivan Salatić’s Wondrous Is the Silence of My Master is a cinematic reflection on identity, displacement, and the enduring ties between individuals and the lands they call home." INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM
“Even if the historical figure is unfamiliar, the emotions and dynamics between the characters – such as those between a master and servant, a father and daughter, or a disenchanted older man, who is archetypal in a way – are familiar.” THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"Ivan Salatić subverts the expectations of historical fiction and creates an immersive experience with his sophomore feature." CINEUROPA
"Ivan Salatic’s magnificently moody, intelligent and doom-laden vision of Montenegrin freedom fighting and exile questions the formation and undoing of national myth." THE FILM VERDICT
"She particularly praised Salatić’s masterful use of space, light, and color, noting how the film creates a world where 'spoken words resonate like melodies'.” FILM CENTRE OF MONTENEGRO
"Yet there is something beguiling about Wondrous Is the Silence of My Master, a hypnotic quality that you can’t look away from." INTERNATIONAL CINEPHILE SOCIETY