Several film and cultural movements left a huge mark worldwide, and one of them was the Yugoslav Black Wave. Yugoslavia, even though a communist country, was different and mainly separated from the Eastern bloc, both politically and culturally.
In this blog post, we’ll address all aspects of this cultural wave, so let’s begin without further ado.
Yugoslav Black Wave History
The Yugoslav Black Wave began in the early 60s and was mainly inspired by the French New Wave, the Czechoslovak New Wave, and Italian Neorealism. An even bigger boost was the Yugoslavian student demonstrations in 1968 and other protests across the globe.
Even though filmmakers of this wave had various motivations, two were the most common. First, to have more artistic expression and freedom to address taboo subjects. Second, to be able to criticize more what they dislike, including political aspects.
The Black Wave wouldn’t have happened in most communist countries. Still, Yugoslavia was more liberal and Tito with the communist party realized it was also a chance to ‘market’ the country worldwide. Therefore, the peak of its expression and liberalization happened in 1967-68.
Political Danger for Filmmakers and Artists
Even though successful, the Black Wave didn’t happen smoothly. After all, Yugoslavia was still a communist country, so various films and artworks were banned. Furthermore, several film directors had to leave the state to save themselves from being prosecuted.
The League of Communists of Yugoslavia was provoked by the wave’s films, which meant fighting against. The movement’s name was coined by them, a paradox in itself. Jovicic wrote an article for a communist newspaper, titled “A Black Wave in Our Cinema.” The goal was simple: to blacken the wave and introduce it as bad. Moreover, communists had a meeting about the condition of their cinematography in 1969. Of course, their view was that some movies of the wave are degrading and tend to be counter-revolutionary.
Several artists had political issues, most notably Dusan Makavejev for his “W.R.: Mysteries of the Organism,” whose movie was banned for almost 16 years. He also had to leave the country. One of the first Black Wave movies, “The City,” co-directed by Vojislav Rakonjac, Zivojin Pavlovic, and Marko Babac, was banned until 1990.
The government also took the passports of several directors, including Aleksandar Petrovic. Director Lazar Stojanovic was imprisoned for a film in 1971, titled “Plastic Jesus.” He’s the only director who was imprisoned because of a movie.
After this, the wave was banned at the beginning of the 70s. To be sure it was over, a Red Wave was made, which meant creating mainly Partisan movies.
Main FIlm Characteristics of the Black Wave
The Red Wave, especially in Partisan movies, showcased positive socialist aestheticism, the resistance movement during World War 2, and later economic progress. On the other hand, both fictional and documentary Yugoslav Black Wave movies criticized society, political officials with their authority, and the communist ideology. The Black Wave would sometimes go even a step further, portraying Partisans more realistically.
Since the inspiration also came from the French New Wave and Italian Neorealism, one of the main characteristics was cinematic social realism. It concentrated more on petty criminals, people living in poverty, and the overall everyday life of regular people.
Another characteristic that broke taboos through Black Wave films was using nudity and sex. This wasn’t popular or entirely allowed worldwide, let alone in Yugoslavia. Directors also used explicit violence when necessary, and worked with actors who were mainly unknown at the time. Most movies were made with hand-held cameras, low-budget, and mainly independent.
This wave was avant-garde, using dark comedy, satire, allegorical, and surrealist cinematic language.
Most Important Directors
Here’s a list of some of the most important Yugoslav Black Wave directors who made this movement and had massive contributions to its worldwide success:
- Dusan Makavejev
- Aleksandar Petrovic
- Zelimir Zilnik
- Zivojin Pavlovic
- Miodrag Popovic
- Lazar Stojanovic
- Karpo Ačimović Godina
- Djordje Kadijevic
- Lordan Zafranovic
- Gordan Mihic
- Vojislav Rakonjac
- Ljubisa Kozomara
- Jovan Jovanovic
- Krsto Papic
- Bahrudin Cengic
- Branko Vucicevic
Most Significant Films
Here’s a list of some of the most significant Yugoslav Black Wave movies:
- W.R.: Mysteries of the Organism – Dusan Makavejev
- Love Affair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator – Dusan Makavejev
- Man Is Not a Bird – Dusan Makavejev
- Three – Aleksandar Petrovic
- I Even Met Happy Gypsies – Aleksandar Petrovic (both “Three” and “I Even Met Happy Gypsies” were nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film)
- Early Works – Zelimir Zilnik
- Black Film – Zelimir Zilnik
- When I am Dead and Gone – Zivojin Pavlovic
- The Rats Woke Up – Zivojin Pavlovic
- The Ambush – Zivojin Pavlovic
- Young and Healthy as a Rose – Jovan Jovanovic
- Plastic Jesus – Lazar Stojanovic
- Handcuffs – Krsto Papic
Notable Actors and Actresses
Black Wave movie directors worked mainly with, at the time, unknown actors and actresses. However, many of them later became influential and/or famous, including:
- Milena Dravic
- Dragan Nikolic
- Eva Ras
- Ivica Vidovic
- Slobodan Cica Perovic
- Bata Zivojinovic
- Rade Serbedzija
- Bekim Fehmiu
- Olivera Katarina
- Ruzica Sokic
- Neda Spasojevic
- Slobodan Aligrudic
- Dusica Zegarac
- Severin Bijelic
- Vukica Djilas
- Tomislav Gotovac
- Svetlana Gligorijevic
- Fabijan Sovagovic
- Adem Cejvan
- Jagoda Kaloper
Of course, there are many others. Some of these actors and actresses were ‘only’ acting in Yugoslav Black Wave movies. Others directly influenced the popularity of the wave and were part of the movement in some way.
A fun fact is that some of the main Black Wave actors and actresses later became the most popular Red Wave faces. To be fair, some of the Red Wave films also had great success, even worldwide.
Yugoslav Black Wave Film Awards
This wave wasn’t just a domestic boom that political figures noticed immediately. Oddly enough, some movies won domestic film awards, for instance, at the Pula Film Festival. It also had worldwide success and recognition at many A-list international film festivals.
Some of its movies were nominated and won awards at some of the best film events, including:
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars)
- Berlin International Film Festival
- Cannes Film Festival
- Venice Film Festival
- Chicago International Film Festival
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Even though it ended in the 70s, the Black Wave is still recognized across the globe. The Criterion Collection of the USA included several films from this wave as classics of world cinema. At the Venice Film Festival, The 1972 movie “Life of a Shock Force Worker” by Bahrudin Cengic was nominated for “Best Restored Film.” Furthermore, there was a retrospective at the prestigious MoMa in NY in 2023, presented by Mina Radovic.
Yugoslav Black Wave Literature
Films weren’t the only artistic expression of this wave since it also had a literary aspect. Some of the most notable writers of the wave include the following:
- Slobodan Selenic
- Dragoslav Mihailovic
- Mirko Kovac
- Milisav Savic
- Antonije Isakovic
- Ivan Ivanovic
- Vidosav Stevanovic
- Bogdan Tirnanic
Final Thoughts on the Yugoslav Black Wave
One thing is for sure – Balkan cinema wouldn’t have been significantly recognized worldwide if it wasn’t for this movement.
This Yugoslav film and cultural movement remains one of the most important ever. It has inspired and still inspires young filmmakers worldwide. Most artistic waves are controversial, and the same applies to this one. However, if you watch the movies, you’ll realize there’s rarely something truly controversial; the thing was, the Black Wave was breaking barriers.
You can purchase this Yugoslav Black Wave book by Greg DeCuir if you want to dive deeper. Still, the best way to explore and enjoy it is to watch as many Yugoslav Black Wave films as possible. Also, don’t forget to watch interviews with the directors since you can learn a lot.
By the way, if you want to continue to read, feel free to check out my other articles!
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