In 2010, director Srdjan Spasojevic and writer Aleksandar Radivojevic released their first movie, A Serbian Film. Neither had any idea whatsoever at the time, the amount of controversy and outrage that this would provoke including an almost global ban on the product. Investigations of rape, torture, violence and pornography (and even several arrests/interrogations) followed over the next several years into the continuous conflict caused by this outrageously disturbing movie. What began as a visionary political project to ignite the country-wide frustration felt from communism control turned into an exploitation of graphic hostile sex, gratuitous brutality and senseless rage. Thus became the legend of “the most disturbing movie ever made” which prompted President/Founder of Unearthed Films, Stephen Biro, to create A Serbian Documentary – the real story behind the hyperbole.

Biro spent FIVE years creating this exposition of how an exceptionally renowned pioneered piece came to fruition. Through multiple behind the scenes clips (after sifting through hours upon hours of never-before-seen footage) of the cast and crew on set, we are presented with emotional, exhaustive and yet playful outtakes amongst the talent who had no idea what to expect.

Srdjan 'Zika' Todorovic (a mega talent who played the lead, Milos) is considered an odd fellow. As he speaks 15 years later about his portrayal of the ultimate pawn in a twisted director’s perception of breaking down barriers of the unrestricted and uncensored material which suffocates all with political correctness, the character of Milos is mindful, family-oriented and savagely ferocious. However, listening to his former colleagues speak of his calm and quiet demeanor when not filming is difficult to imagine given the merciless performance he produced. Zika comes across fun-loving and almost whimsical while being 90% naked over the 54 excruciatingly difficult days of shooting.  

The additional standout in this documentary is Sergej Trifunovic, who wonderfully depicted the pinnacle of evilness – the director, Vukmir. Sergej admitted to signing off on the contract to join this film BEFORE ever reading the script, as he was enamored with the opportunity to star opposite Zika. By the time he opened the screenplay, he was convinced he literally sold his soul and reputation to the devil. Sergej is shown as an onsite jokester. Loud, energetic and confrontational, he exuded the best from everyone around him to develop the highest quality results on behalf of their determined leader, Srdjan.  

While the other cast members settle in with insane stories from sitting through hours of mask and body molds (causing Sergej to have a panic attack during his process), to Zika accidentally scraping his dick against the pool wall, Srdjan’s relentless task of staying in perfection mode had become debilitating amongst the crew especially during problems of force de majeure. However, the continuous trust between all never diminished even during the most ground-breaking and taboo-ist of ALL subjects to ever appear on screen: the baby scene.  

Biro manages to transparently open up each performer with memories of fondness even through the craziest extremities. Never losing site of the original intention – a struggle for sovereignty, capitalism, and the metaphor for current atrocities surrounding all in Serbia, A Serbian Film was never projected to become a shock flick. The provocativeness was derived and inspired by Rocco Siffredi pornos, and every component was carefully crafted to arouse the human state of mind. A Serbian Documentary masterfully taps into every fan’s questions as to what it was really like to create such depravity yet compose powerful courage and follow your instincts. This is what everyone’s been waiting for. This does not disappoint.