Film / News
New Bristol-set film showcasing well-known locations opens at Watershed
New feature film Surviving Earth brings a deeply personal true story to the big screen, while showing off some of Bristol’s most striking locations. Directed by Thea Gajić, the feature is based on the life of her father, Vladimir Gajić, and tells the story of a talented harmonica player and refugee who fled the conflict in the former Yugoslavia before rebuilding his life in the UK.
Set in Bristol in 2015, the film follows Vlad (now working as a counsellor) as he balances supporting others with his passion for Balkan music, forming a band with friends in pursuit of creative success. But as the band begins to gain momentum, unresolved trauma resurfaces, threatening to fracture the life he has carefully rebuilt – and his relationship with his daughter, Maria.
“Bristol was ultimately another character in this film,” says Thea Gajić. “Its vibrancy informed our camaraderie, and its community adorned the film in ways another city couldn’t.”
Key locations include Thekla, The Jam Jar and St Nicholas Market, alongside the Corn Exchange, Studio 7 Music Repairs in St Nicholas Market, Zion Community Café in Bedminster Down, Armada House near Stokes Croft, Barista Coffee Collective in Redcliffe, Krakus on Bedminster Parade, Livingstone St Ives in Clifton, Clifton Downs, UWE’s Student Union shop, and more.
Surviving Earth opens at Watershed on Friday 24 April and runs until Thursday 30 April. Go here to book tickets.
Main pic from Surviving Earth: credit My Accomplice & Sona Films
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