The romantic drama This Is Not A Love Song (Šlager), directed by Nevio Marasović, comes to the Croatian National Theatre Split on Sunday, 30 March at 8 pm, as part of the FMFS in the Theatre programme. The film stars acclaimed Croatian actors Lana Barić and Janko Popović Volarić, who will present the film to the audience alongside the director.

This Is Not A Love Song tells the story of two middle-aged people, former lovers who meet again after many years. While working together on a screenplay for a new film, Sara and Niko are forced to confront their painful past and a failed relationship. Exploring what happens to emotions once romance has faded, and skilfully balancing drama, nostalgia and humour, Šlager results in a cathartic, almost therapeutic experience.

The film was previewed on International Women’s Day at Zagreb’s Kinoteka cinema to a full house, where enthusiastic audience reactions once again confirmed Nevio Marasović as a master of intimate drama (Vis-À-Vis, Comic Sans, Remembering Only the Good Times), with a strong focus on character and the complexity of relationships.

Film had its world premiere at the Pula Film Festival, where Lana Barić won the Golden Arena for Best Actress, while Alen and Nenad Sinkauz received the award for Best Music. The film was produced by Ira Cecić, alongside Marasović and Popović Volarić. The screenplay was co-written by Nevio Marasović (who also edited the film), Janko Popović Volarić and Lana Barić. The director of photography is Radislav Jovanović Gonzo. The film was supported by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre.

Tickets are available at the Croatian National Theatre Split box office or online.