Project Detail

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

Genre

Woman Director Drama

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Supported by BFI, Film4

A My Accomplice and Sona Films production

c/o Bankside Films

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Sales Company

Bankside Films

Sarah Townsend