In a remarkable turn of events, the acclaimed Serbian film Virgina (Virdžina), directed by Srđan Karanovićis making a triumphant return to the screen. After decades of obscurity, this landmark work of cinema is set to captivate North American audiences for the first time since its completion in June 1991.
The journey of Virgina from a lost treasure to a restored masterpiece is a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of cinema. This film, which delves into the complexities of genderidentityand social expectationwas nearly lost to history amidst the turmoil of Yugoslavia’s dissolution.
From Obscurity to Restoration
The film’s rediscovery is a testament to the dedication of queer film historian and filmmaker Jenni Olsonwho found the surviving film elements in France. This discovery sparked a collaborative effort between Belgrade-based rights holder Centar Film and the Yugoslav Film Archive to bring Virgina back to life.
The restoration process was meticulous, involving the scanning of a 35mm internegative using an ArriscanXT scanner with archival gate overscan. Color correction was expertly handled by Masha Badalić under the watchful eye of director Srđan Karanović. The audio was sourced from the original 35mm mono sound negative and restored by the Sound Department of the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad.
A Tale of Tradition and Rebellion
Set in the rugged mountains of a 19th-century Balkan villageVirgina tells the story of a family cursed by superstition to bear no boys. The fourth girl born to this family is raised as a boy, named Stevan, to become the family’s sole heir. The phrase “Better a rooster for a day than a hen for life” encapsulates the family’s belief in the necessity of this deception.
As Stevan grows into a handsome young man, the weight of his chosen destiny becomes increasingly burdensome. The film explores the clash between tradition and the unstoppable pull of self-identityas Stevan grapples with first love and the unfolding tragedies of village life. Virgina is a sensual, haunting tale that challenges the rigid codes of a patriarchal society.
A Contemporary Resonance
Frank Jaffefounder of Altered Innocencethe company behind the film’s North American release, highlights the film’s enduring relevance. “Virgina feels astonishingly contemporary for a film made more than three decades ago,” Jaffe states. “Its exploration of gender, identity, and social expectation remains deeply resonant.”
The film’s disappearance and subsequent rediscovery only add to its power and allure. Altered Innocence is honored to bring this remarkable work to North American audiences, following its World Restoration Premiere at the Frameline LGBTQ+ film festival. A theatrical release is planned for the fall, offering cinephiles a chance to experience this cinematic gem.
The deal between Altered Innocence and Centar Film was negotiated directly, ensuring that this important work of art finds its rightful place in the annals of cinema history.
