Miran Zupanic's background is in documentary. It's little surprise, then, that his debut feature addresses such issues as politics, nationalism and the burden of history.

The story is set in present-day Slovenia. Idealistic young journalist Vesna (Natasa Matjasec) visits a remote town to investigate the suspicious death of a local radio station director.

Back in 1970, this man was dismissed from the Communist Party for reasons undisclosed. A few days later, his body was discovered in a garage. Everybody assumed he had committed suicide. 25 years on, Vesna is not so sure.

"When I wrote the script," Zupanic reflects, "I had a constant feeling that I was doing something prohibited and showing things about which decent people remain silent."

Like his questing journalist heroine, he was keen to uncover old lies and secrets. He also wanted to register the sense of betrayal and disappointment that afflicts Slovenians over recent events in their country.

The most northern republic of former Yugoslavia, it gained its independence in 1991. Many assumed that it was on the verge of a brave new era of liberalism and democracy.

But their hopes have been largely dashed. It's apparent that the same grey-faced aparatchiks are still pulling the strings.

Geoffrey Macnab

Prod co: TV Slovenia arts programmes

Dir/Scr: Miran Zupanic

Ph: Karpo Godina

Ed: Stanko Kostanjevec

Mus: Urban Koder

Prod des: Dusan Milavec

Cast: Natasa Matjasec, Lojze Rozman, Anfrej Kurent, Vlado Novak, Miranda Caharija

Running Time: 85 mins

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