(A)Torsion (2003)
An Oscar-nominated Bosnian short film in which a choir stranded near wartime Sarajevo unites around an unexpected act of life.
(A)Torsion - Movie Information
- Original Title: (A)Torzija
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Stefan Arsenijević
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 13m
- Original Language: Serbian
- Spoken Languages: Bosnian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 8, 2003 (Germany)
- Production Companies: Studio Arkadena
- Production Countries: Slovenia
(A)Torsion - Plot
(A) Torsion is a 2002 Bosnian short film directed by Stefan Arsenijevic. A singing group, trying to escape war-torn Sarajevo, has to wait for a tunnel to clear. While they wait, a cow has difficulty giving birth because of the "torsion" affecting its calf (i.e., it's in a twisted position inside). Fortunately, one of the choir members has some veterinary training, and with help from the chorus to drown out the sounds of war, the cow gives birth. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
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(A)Torsion - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stefan Arsenijević
Main Cast
- Admir Glamočak
- Davor Janjić
- Almedin Leleta
- Emina 'Minka' Muftić
- Mirjana Šajinović
- Brane Gruber
- Branko Ličen
- Matija Bulatović
Writers
- Abdulah Sidran
(A)Torsion - FAQs
Was (A)Torsion nominated for an Academy Award?
Yes, (A)Torsion received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. The nomination brought significant international attention to the film and to director Stefan Arsenijević, marking a remarkable achievement for a short film rooted in the trauma and resilience of the Bosnian War.
What is (A)Torsion about?
(A)Torsion follows a singing group trying to flee war-torn Sarajevo who are forced to wait while a tunnel clears. During the delay, a cow struggles to give birth due to a torsion — its calf is twisted inside. A choir member with veterinary knowledge steps in, and the group's singing masks the sounds of war as the birth unfolds.
What does 'torsion' mean in the film's title?
In the film, 'torsion' refers to a veterinary condition in which a calf is twisted inside the womb, complicating delivery. The title works on a double level: it describes the physical crisis facing the cow and metaphorically evokes the contorted, agonizing reality of life during the Bosnian War.
Who directed (A)Torsion?
(A)Torsion was directed by Stefan Arsenijević, a filmmaker from the former Yugoslavia. The short film served as an early showcase of his talent for blending intimate human drama with the broader historical weight of the Bosnian War, earning him international recognition through the Oscar nomination.
Who are the main actors in (A)Torsion?
The cast of (A)Torsion includes Admir Glamočak, Davor Janjić, Almedin Leleta, Emina 'Minka' Muftić, Mirjana Šajinović, Brane Gruber, Branko Ličen, and Matija Bulatović, collectively portraying the choir members caught in an unexpected moment of life amid the chaos of war.
How long is (A)Torsion?
(A)Torsion has a runtime of 13 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief duration, the film delivers a complete and emotionally resonant narrative, using its compact format to create a powerful contrast between the violence of war and an unexpected act of life and collective human care.
Who wrote the screenplay for (A)Torsion?
The screenplay for (A)Torsion was written by Abdulah Sidran, a celebrated Bosnian poet and screenwriter. Sidran is widely known for his collaborations with director Emir Kusturica and for his ability to capture the spirit and suffering of Bosnian life through lyrical, deeply human storytelling.
What are films similar to (A)Torsion?
Viewers who appreciated (A)Torsion may also enjoy Stockholm Daybreak (2013), Pigeons Should Fly Freely In the Sky (2010), Deluge (2022), Five Days (1986), and The Station In-Between (2021), as well as editorial picks such as The Girl on the Bridge (1999), Upon Entry (2023), and Smiles of a Summer Night (1955).
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