Project Detail

Surviving Earth

Surviving Earth

Synopsis

Present day Bristol. A Serbian ex-addict turned drug counsellor uses his passion for Balkan music to stay afloat and fight his unrelenting demons. But will it be enough to maintain his most cherished relationship with his daughter?
Based on a true story, SURVIVING EARTH follows Vlad, a Serbian immigrant who came to the UK in the '90s after fleeing the Yugoslav Wars. An ex heroin addict and now drug counsellor living in the eclectic vibes of Bristol – he decides to start a balkan band with his friends from rehab and bring his roots and love for music to the city. A renegade by nature – he rebels against any systemic form and although the band is excelling, his responsibilities are rapidly falling apart – including the relationship with his daughter, Maria. Having always struggled with his past and self-forgiveness he must find reasons to stay afloat and the strength to fight against a potential relapse.
Official Selection SXSW Film & TV Festival 2025 - World premiere
Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025
Official Selection Sarajevo Film Festival 2025

Details

Year
2025
Type of project
Features
Running time
100 min
Director
Thea Gajic 1st Feature
Producer
Aleksandra Bilic, Jamie Clark, Sophie Reynolds
Editor
Izabella Curry
Screenwriter
Thea Gajic
Director of Photography
Olan Collardy
Production Designer
Elena Muntoni
Sound
Sound Designer: Raoul Brand
Composer
Hugo Brijs
Principal cast
Slavko Sobin, Olive Gray, Ann Ogbomo, Arthur McBain, , Stuart Martin, Peter Coonan, Toni Gojanovi

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Supported by BFI, Film4

A My Accomplice and Sona Films production

c/o Bankside Films

Sales Company

Page updates

This page was last updated on 16th January 2026. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Mother Water Mother Water

Director: Julius Amedume

Year: 2028

After the horrific death of their child, a grieving architect and her doctor husband travel to Africa on a fake humanitarian trip. But when their helicopter crashes, they seek refuge in a remote African fishing village, where strange things begin to happen. Mysterious offerings appear at their door, the villagers worship an ancient water deity known as Mami Wata, and over the course of the next few days, they are forced to confront their deepest desires and what they're willing to sacrifice to obtain them.

Charlie in shock The Sorrows of Young Charlotte

Director: Shir Ariya

Year: 2026

After a devastating break-up, Charlie sleeps with her friend Werther on a whim. But when he confesses his true feelings for her, an unnerving and darkly explosive argument erupts. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2026

Sally Phillips - A Twist of Hate A Twist of Hate

Director: Madeleine Shenai

Year: 2026

A newlywed couple encounter an unusual lawyer who probes their motivations for love. Dark comedy. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2026