Eigthy Plus, interview with director Želimir Žilnik

October 28, 2025

"Eighty Plus", by director Želimir Žilnik, is a compelling portrait of displacement and cultural identity, that resonates well beyond Serbia’s borders.

Eigthy Plus, interview with director Želimir Žilnik Cristiana Palmieri

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A Personal Reflection on Cultural Shifts in Serbia

The film “Eighty Plus” offers a poignant look at Serbia’s complex post-war identity through the story of a jazz pianist returning home after six decades in Germany. Directed by Želimir Žilnik, the documentary intertwines personal stories with broader reflections on exile, social change, and national memory.

Revisiting the Past and Present

“Eighty Plus” delves into the pianist’s journey to reclaim his childhood home amid Serbia’s ongoing social and political transformations. Žilnik was inspired by recent debates around the restitution of property and a broader sense of national nostalgia. He observed that many wealthy landowners from Austria-Hungarian times had left the country during or after World War II, with their descendants now often embroiled in political and criminal affairs. The film highlights how history continues to shape current realities, revealing the deep divide between political rhetoric and the often harsh truth of social change.

Music as a Cultural Bridge

Throughout the film, music acts as a unifying element, symbolizing both cultural memory and personal resilience. Žilnik weaves the jazz performances into the narrative, emphasizing their role in connecting generations and fostering a sense of continuity amid upheaval. This balance of comedy, drama, and irony reflects Serbia’s ongoing struggle with its fractured identity and hopes for reconciliation.

A Reflection of Broader European Trends

Ultimately, “Eighty Plus” captures the uncertain atmosphere in the region, marked by protests and political unrest. Žilnik‘s work reflects a Europe still grappling with its past, navigating divisions, and seeking new paths to unity and understanding.

Plot

After six decades living in Germany, jazz pianist Stevan returns home to Serbia. Following a lengthy legal process, he is allowed to inherit the neglected mansion previously bequeathed to him by his parents thanks to post-socialist restitution. A series of encounters and reunions then opens an unexpected new chapter in Stevan’s life. Full of humanism and tenderness, this film seems more necessary than ever in today’s world. Ten years ago, Doclisboa organised the first ever complete retrospective of Želimir Žilnik’s work, and it is a delight to continue to follow his ever-surprising creations.

Written by: Cristiana Palmieri

Guest

Želimir Žilnik

Film

Eighty Plus

Festival

Doclisboa International Film Festival

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Eigthy Plus, interview with director Želimir Žilnik

"Eighty Plus", by director Želimir Žilnik, is a compelling portrait of displacement and cultural identity, that resonates well beyond Serbia’s borders.