EFF: Mother Mara

Majka Mara

Australian Premiere

“A character study that explores the nature of defining yourself after loss, Mother Mara isn’t afraid to challenge societal cliches about middle-aged women along the way.” — Screen Daily 

The storied Serbian star of stage and screen Mirjana Karanović (When Father was Away on Business, Grbavica) returns to the director’s chair for this honest and compelling portrait of a middle-aged woman redefining herself after tragedy.

A successful businesswoman and single mother, Mara's life falls apart after the tragic death of her 21-year-old son Nemanja. She becomes emotionally detached and removed from friends and family. When she meets Milan, a close friend of her son’s, she finds unexpected solace, and an unlikely romance between Mara and this much younger man develops. Uncovering more about Nemanja’s life and his passing as they grow closer, this steely woman allows herself to face loss and move on.

Starring as Mara, Karanović allows her character’s grief to take her towards unchartered waters, boldly and honestly exploring this woman’s pain and unexpected sexual awakening.

Festivals & Awards

Official Selection of the Sarajevo Film Festival 2024 (World Premiere)
Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Zurich Film Festival 2024

Rating

Unclassified 18+

Duration

96 min

Country

Serbia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro

Language

Serbian (English Subtitles)

Cast

Mirjana Karanovic, Vucic Perovic, Boris Isakovic, Jasna Zalica, Alen Liveric, Pavle Cemerikic, Jelena Curuvija

Director

Mirjana Karanović