Kontakt

Following the Balkan wars, prisons and mental hospitals become safe havens for war criminals. Because of the overflow of people, there isn't enough room anymore for delinquent Yanko or mentally unstable Žana. Mutual relative Novak, in need of some favors from the government, relieves the Macedonian institutions of these two unwanted inhabitants. To keep Yanko out of trouble, Novak employs him to renovate Žana's devastated villa. The two form an unlikely pair: gruff Yanko has spent his entire life in and out of prisons and whorehouses, and timid and introspective Žana has said little since she walked in on her husband sleeping with another woman. Nevertheless, they soon become friends, despite Yanko's reluctance, and Žana begins to talk, laugh, and eat for the first time in years. Pleased with Žana's speedy recovery, Novak (employed by Žana's parents) gives Yanko more money to continue the friendship. But when their relationship becomes too close, Žana's parents will do anything to stop it. In this politically charged comedy, Sergej Stanojkovski's KONTAKT reaffirms the possibility for love in a war-torn country. (In Macedonian with English subtitles) – E.J.B.