Serbia
13′08″, 2021.
DIRECTED BY
Dimitrije Vujadinović
PRODUCED BY
Balkankult fondacija intereg
SCRIPTWRITER
Dimitrije Vujadinović
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Milan Vlaški
EDITED BY
Ondrej Pavčok
CONTACT
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Božičnjak, the ritual bread, is one of the crucial elements of celebrating the Christmas holidays of Bunjevci ethnic group, as well as of their cultural and religious identity. Bunjevci moved to the north of Vojvodina more than three hundred years ago from Herzegovina, from areas of Buna River and Dalmatian Zagora. The method of preparation and the symbolism of the Božičnjak bread are highly specific. Figures made of hard dough are placed in a certain order on the dough base, which is made in form of a circular braid, a symbol of the durability of life. At the top there is a representation of the birth of Christ – the Mother of God, the little Christ, St. Joseph... The depiction of the birth is surrounded by typical agricultural figurines – domestic animals, granaries and the like. The symbolism of Christmas is not only in marking the birth of Christ but also in the anticipation of the coming New Year, wishing it to bring good yield, and ensure the continuation of life in peace and prosperity.

Dimitrije Vujadinović is a culturologist and author of a number of documentary films and books. He is especially interested in the culture and history of bread.

Trailer:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v7LEpJcvFLs8XSfWKBbq8BybyyQoeRz5/view?usp=sharing