Next to You

Stevan directs Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes makes her Serbian debut in contemporary lockdown thriller Next To You (Pored Tebe), a mystery set during the Covid-19 pandemic about the emancipation and transformation of a young journalist in her struggle to find morals and integrity in a world that can seem increasingly populist.

Shot within social distancing guidelines in Serbia and the UK, the film embraces the limitations of lockdown to craft a compelling movie in an unconventional way.

Most of the action is seen via computers, mobile phones, tablets, webcams and surveillance cameras and the actors recorded themselves, often in their own homes.

Miriam stars as Granny Vera, a British Yugo-phile who lives in Belgrade with her dog, Tito; a role written especially for her by Stevan.

The cast includes veterans Branislav Trifunović, Goran Jevtić, Isidora Simijonović, Tihomir Stanić, Svetlana Bojković and Vlasta Velisavljevic, plus actors from Stevan’s previous films; Darko Ivić, Nikola Glisić, Milica Majkic, Uros Novović, Nikola Dragutinović, Katarina Pesić, Andrej Pipović and Gorica Regodić. Further cast to be announced.

marcus@marcusagar.com

Pored Tebe - London and Belgrade

Serbian lockdown thriller

Set five years on from the school days of Stevan’s previous film Next to Me, a state of emergency exists and politicians are accused of capitalising on public anxiety around Covid-19, which makes the shocking situation that reunites the characters significantly more extreme.

The story centres on Ksenija (newcomer Mina Nikolić), a driven young woman striving to move from tabloid hack to a career journalist in a world of click-bait headlines and showbiz scandals cooked up to feed the masses.

Ksenija’s personal and professional journey is hampered when Vera tests positive for Coronavirus and Ksenija must question how far she will bend to survive in a climate where political pressure is increasingly overt and can be said to capitalise on fear during the pandemic.

Stevan said: “We wanted to address an acute problem of our time; what it means to be a young woman in Serbia on the eve of journalism as we know it and what it means to maintain your professional voice and freedom of expression in the face of political pressure and populist autocrats around the world.”

Branislav Jević, Executive Producer (Hypnopolis) said: “Some of the earliest scenes we shot were with Miriam and her professionalism inspired the cast and crew to rally together in spite of lockdown. She opened her home to us, developed the look of the character and turned what could have been a stressful shoot into a stirring experience. Next to You is a tribute to the professionalism of everyone involved.”

Next To You is written and directed by Stevan Filipović and produced by Branislav Jević for Hypnopolis, who are at the forefront of independent film producers in Serbia. The film will be released in 2021, set to be distributed by Taramount (Serbia).

get in touch

Award-winning actress & director

Filming is an act of faith

“Making my debut in a Serbian film in my 80th year was just a part of the wonder of this experience,' said Miriam. "I knew nothing of ZOOM filming techniques, of the Serbian language, of the strangeness of acting with someone I didn't know and couldn't look at, of providing my own clothes and props using my home as a location.

“All filming is an act of faith; this film required much more faith than usual. But Stevan directed cunningly; he knew how to coax and encourage. After moments of initial terror, I loved it; I became aware of the politics informing the film, slowly I began to believe that, despite 'lockdown', I was really there, and my anxieties were grist to the mill. It's not comfortable, but it's authentic and I'd love to repeat the experience."

Stevan said: “Since we met in London, I have been waiting for the right moment to build a story around Miriam and her remarkable presence. Ironically, it took a global pandemic for it to happen as we could shoot in London and Belgrade without anyone having to leave home.

“Working with Miriam was a dream come true. She brought honesty, depth and raw emotion to a complicated character. She saw the practical challenges as creative adventures and even learned a few lines in Serbian to add authenticity to the role, which was incredible. Everyone had to adapt but that added to the buzz. I am proud of what we have achieved. Thanks to Miriam and the entire cast and international crew. This is so much more than a lockdown movie.”

get in touch