Kosara Mitic is set to make her mark in the film industry with her debut feature, 17, which will premiere in the Perspectives program at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2024. The film delves into the complexities of adolescence, focusing on themes of trauma and the unspoken bonds of female solidarity amid challenging circumstances.
The story follows Sara, a 17-year-old who grapples with the weight of a secret during a school trip that takes a harrowing turn. Sara witnesses her friend Lina being sexually assaulted, which triggers a profound exploration of the cycle of violence and the deep connection formed between the two girls. A synopsis of the film states, “The two girls try to break the cycle of casual violence. This seals an everlasting bond between them.”
Starring Eva Kostic and Martina Danilovska, alongside Dame Joveski, Eva Stojchevska, and Petar Manic, 17 is produced by Black Cat Production in collaboration with Art&Popcorn and December. The film’s screenplay was co-written by Mitic and Ognjen Svilicic, with cinematography by Naum Doksevski and editing by Vladimir Pavlovski. World sales are being handled by Totem Films.
Exploring Themes of Silence and Resilience
Mitic’s inspiration for 17 stemmed from a desire to examine the emotional aftermath of traumatic events in the lives of young people. She emphasizes that the film does not sensationalize the incidents but rather focuses on the silence and internal struggles that follow. “I wasn’t interested in sensationalizing trauma or turning it into a narrative spectacle,” she explained. “What interested me was the silence that follows – the way young people internalize what happens to them, especially in environments where difficult experiences are quickly normalized or brushed aside.”
The film aims to reflect the emotional complexities of adolescence, portraying realism through restraint. Mitic wants the audience to experience events alongside the characters, stating, “If the film feels visceral, it is because we never step outside of the emotional space of the girls. We remain with them, even in the moments of discomfort.”
Female Solidarity and the Casting Process
Mitic highlights the importance of female friendships at this stage in life, asserting that these bonds are often where young people learn vital lessons about loyalty, intimacy, and courage. She notes, “Female solidarity is rarely portrayed with nuance. I was interested in something quieter – in the kind of solidarity that doesn’t need to be verbalized.”
Casting for 17 involved a thorough search for authenticity rather than traditional acting skills. Mitic sought young individuals who embody the complexities and vulnerabilities of their characters. “I wasn’t looking for actors performing youths – I was looking for young people who carry their own contradictions, their own silences,” she stated.
The depiction of the male characters also reflects a nuanced approach. Rather than casting villains, Mitic aimed to portray their fragility and the pressures they face. “For me, it was about creating a space of trust where these young people could exist honestly in front of the camera,” she added.
Looking ahead, Mitic expresses her ambition for future projects. “My next feature will explore the emotional violence of silence against women – the things left unsaid, the complicity of those who look away,” she shared. This commitment to authenticity and respect for her subjects promises to deepen her exploration of complex themes in her storytelling.
As 17 prepares for its world premiere, it stands as a significant entry into the realm of contemporary cinema, highlighting both the struggle and resilience of young individuals navigating a world rife with challenges.