Branko Šömen

Step by Step

At the beginning of the war in Croatia, Vjera refuses to leave the ruins of her home on the front line . Her husband flees town while their son goes to battlefield. Working as an interpreter she starts her path of self-discovery.

Portrait of the Poet with His Double

A look at the life and thoughts of France Presern, arguably the most prominent Slovenian poet, as well as historical background of his time. How our tragic hero became a symbol of Slovenian culture.

The Merry Wedding

In 1920s Ljubljana, a student of theology decides to leave his studies and dedicate to music.

Red Boogie

Comedy about a group of musicians who are sent to play to villagers and workers to raise morale during a 5 year plan. The trouble is they prefer to play jazz and boogie music to the traditional folk songs, and each time they try their jazz they are reprimanded by the local party secretary.

You Love Only Once

Tomislav is a former Partizan who continues his struggle after the war as a dedicated member of Tito's secret police. He meets and falls in love with a ballet dancer from a bourgeois family. His love affair with the class enemy and his slow adaptation to the post-war realities could seal his doom.

White Grass

When Dane returns from the army, Vera awaits him at the station, ready to live together with him. Yet beneath the veil of enthusiasm lies anxiety for their future. The couple sets off for the mountain village where Vera's parents live, but find life in the harsh alpine conditions too difficult. They decide to move down into the valley, where they meet a discontented couple whose marriage has been marred by an affair. Vera and Dane also encounter difficulties in their relationship, but the tragic example of the other couple helps them realize that their home lies in the place of their birth - beneath the free skies in the mountains.

The Flight of Dead Bird

Three brothers struggle to survive on the harsh, inexorable and melancholy plains of Slovenia's Prekmurje region. The oldest flees from home in search of a better living, the middle brother survives by refusing to comply with tradition and the youngest, who received his education as a vet in the city simply cannot get used to the slow pace of country life. Will their father live to see the day when respect for the traditional ways will heal the wounds of the impoverished land?

The Last Stop

A former partisan Tone, who once believed in the idea of a new, just society, now barely living as a municipal employee. Has an ex-wife and daughter, who live in his apartment, and he lodger. Even his relationship with a waitress, Magda is not without problems.