How To Become A Hero2007

Director
Mladen Matičević

Acters

Mladen Matičević
Goran Terzić
Brana Radović
Aleksandar Srećković

In the summer of 2005, the 40-year-old Serbian filmmaker Mladen finds himself in a typical midlife crisis. He felt he was a failure, especially as a filmmaker. With the necessary self-mockery, he concluded that none of his dreams to work with the likes of Clint Eastwood or Mel Gibson will ever come true. He is overweight and out of shape, and doesn’t know how to change his situation. That is, until he sees a report on TV about the Rotterdam Marathon and becomes inspired. He makes a bet with a friend, saying he will finish the Belgrade Marathon the following year, and documents his struggle to achieve this goal with a camera. In this film, he consults a personal trainer, goes on a diet, and starts exercising, much to the amusement of his family and friends. Despite a setback and the sarcasm of those around him, he keeps at it. Slowly, his condition improves, he loses weight, and his outlook on life becomes brighter. The chances he will complete the 26-mile race are increasing. Gradually, running the marathon becomes a metaphor for daily life in post-war Serbia.

“The film is full of refreshing humor and is, at the same time, an excellent allegory of the marathonic struggle of the everyday survival in a region still trying to deal with economic transition and consequences of war.” – Gorazd Trusnovec (FIPRESCI), Perm 2008

“How to Become a Hero is a breath of fresh air by provoking a healing and liberating laughter.” – DOCNZ 2009