The process of film-making is both art and industry at the same time. One of the most important challenges every film-maker encounters is surely a proper location choice. Through its, almost 140 year-long history, movies, and series have been shot at so many locations that it's hard to find one where at least something wasn't already filmed there. Croatia offers an ideal combination of filming conditions. It is a small, yet diverse country, whose breathtaking locations feature landscapes and architecture that can accommodate even the most demanding visual requirements. Zagreb is no different. You can get from one side of the town to the other within one hour, and if you need an urban location or a location depicting nature, you can find it in Zagreb or near it.

Although we already wrote a blog about foreign movies that were filmed in the Croatian capital, we have neglected our, domestic cinematography a bit. This is a bit unfair to be honest because our cinematography is getting better every year. Personally, I always liked domestic movies and series, even as a kid. And that is precisely who I am writing this blog today to. That little kid in you that always liked our, domestic movies and series. 

Smogovci (1982)

Where better to start than with a cult TV show about a Zagrebian family that comes from a small neighborhood called Naselak in Pešćenica. The series was made after the homonymous novel written by Hrvoje Hitrec, and it's really a series made for the entire family. When it started broadcasting in 1982, it immediately won over the hearts of audience all over Zagreb, and even all over Croatia. In its 30 minutes of airing time, the series told the parts of the story about Zagrebian family Vragec. Life wasn't easy for six brothers who grew up without the presence of their father. Their mother, Melita, had to find a way to feed her family, so she took up a job in Germany. 
The series was so popular, it hosted some of the iconic names, remembered even by the younger generations today. Some of the guests were Oliver Mlakar, a host of an immensely popular TV quiz "Kviskoteka," the lead singer of the cult Croatian band "Azra" as well as legendary Croatian singer Josipa Lisac. Besides them, the TV series also saw guests like director Snježana Tribuson and one of the most famous football coaches Miroslav Ćiro Blažević. At the end of the list is a guest star that irrefutably confirms the popularity of the show. It was the Croatian president at the time, Franjo Tuđman.

Video Credit: YouTube/The Smogovci

Lažeš, Melita (You're lying, Melita, 1983)

Just a year after Smogovci, "Lažeš, Melita" was filmed, and it really stayed in people's memories until today. The series was filmed by the novels of Ivan Kušan in the form of a TV mini-series. The series tells a story about the adventures and misadventures of a ten-year-old girl Melita Stepanić. The plot begins when Melita's mom is forced to leave her daughter, son, and husband for some time. Their playful dad and son are left to Melita to take care of them.

Video Credit: YouTube/Kile1011

Imam dvije mame i dva tate (I have two mothers and two fathers, 1968) 

I remember watching this movie as a kid, and I remember myself wondering how can someone have two mothers and two fathers before I watched the movie. In short, the story revolves around two boys whose parents divorced. The older one stayed with his father and his attractive young wife, while the younger one stayed with the mother and her new husband. And that's where two fathers and two mothers come from. The story develops when the younger of two sons, Djuro realizes that they all have a lot in common.

Video Credit: YouTube/KlasikTV

Ne do Bog većeg zla (God Forbid a Worse Thing Should Happen, 2002) 

Definitely the newest title on the list. This movie really delighted me when I first saw it. I remember that our national television divided it into a few shorter chapters and made a TV mini-series out of it and I couldn't wait to watch the next part. The movie depicts the adventures of a small town Croatian family during the 1960s.  Most of the story revolves around the youngest family member, boy Frula who discovers the love and fashion of the time. Although the movie was filmed in Bjelovar and Samobor, it ends with, now older Frula, leaving Bjelovar and going to Zagreb for college. If you plan to show this movie to someone younger, be warned that it can sometimes talk about not so childish things, but all of them are shown in a charming note. This movie is a must watch for me, especially if you're a fan of the time. 

Video Credit: YouTube/HRT

Header Image Credit: T. Sklopan/TZGZ Download zona

Author: Tibor Trupec