This rambling documentary through the memories and emotions of 6 American immigrants from Yugoslavia. Originally released in 2000, Yugodivas follows actress Mirjana Jokovic, painter Vesna Golubovic, and musicians Danijela Popovic, Aleksandra Vojcic, and Milica Paranosic through 1999. Filmmaker Andrea Staka documents artistic pursuits, daily life, and interviews with the five artists, asking questions about their memories of Yugoslavia and the personal effects of the war. Interestingly enough, most of the women were already living in New York City before hostilities began in 1991.
We watch Mirjana in dress rehearsal for a play, D’Divaz (Danijela, Sandra, and Milica) record segments of their first album, and Vesna paint an ornate mural based on Orthodox Christian iconography. In their own way, each woman grieves the destruction of their homeland, the death of loved ones, and their inability to stop the madness.
The thing which stuck out to me most while watching Yugodivas was the cinematography. Andrea Staka did an excellent job of interweaving the city into almost every shot, using beautifully composed and expertly captured candid moments of the documentary’s subjects waiting for the subway, talking to each other, or walking around town. The filters were reminiscent of the period and made the starkness of New York’s concrete jungle all the more clear.
The overabundance of footage of D’Divaz recording causes some pacing problems. These moments provide some insight into the effects of the war and alienation on the artistic process for the group, however, and may be interesting for students of piano.
In all, Yugodivas is an outstanding short documentary that does exactly what it set out to do. Documentary fans will enjoy the footage and discussion, while those studying Yugoslavia and the conflict which dissolved it will find the personal insight very useful. Consider Yugodivas highly if you’re expanding your short documentary collection. Highly Recommended. 4.5*
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
Yugodivas belongs on short documentary shelves.
What kind of film series could use this documentary?
Yugodivas would be an excellent addition to any film programming series about Yugoslavia in the 90s or women in art.
Does this documentary have public performance rights?
PPR: $350.00, DRL: $499.00, PPR+DRL: $599.00