Valley of Peace (1956)
A quietly radical Yugoslavian war drama about three unlikely companions seeking sanctuary from the devastation of World War II.
Valley of Peace - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dolina miru
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: France Štiglic
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Original Language: Slovenian
- Spoken Languages: English, German, Slovenian
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 23, 1956 (YU)
- Production Companies: Triglav film
- Production Countries: Yugoslavia
Valley of Peace - Plot
When the planes bombed a Slovene town, a Slovene boy and a German girl set on a journey towards the valley, in which there is no war. On their way a black American pilot, who jumped of a shoot-down plane, joins them. Although American planes have killed the boy's parents, he accepts the pilot with enthusiasm. The children communicate with him in German and the valley of peace seems like the last paradise place of refuge. The Slovene boy, the German girl, and the American pilot represent a symbolic triangle of peace in this adventure happening in the middle of the War of Liberation.
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Valley of Peace - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- France Štiglic
Main Cast
- John Kitzmiller
- Evelyne Wohlfeiler
- Tugo Štiglic
- Boris Kralj
- Janez Čuk
- Francek Drofenik
- Maks Furijan
- Anton Homar
- Aleksander Valič
- Polde Dežman
Writers
- Vladimir Koch
- France Štiglic
- Ivan Ribič
- France Jamnik
Valley of Peace - FAQs
What is Valley of Peace about?
Valley of Peace follows a Slovenian boy and a German girl who flee the destruction of war, joined by a downed Black American pilot. Together they journey through the Alps toward a mythical valley untouched by conflict, forming an unlikely bond that becomes a powerful symbol of peace amid World War II.
Who are the main actors in Valley of Peace?
The film stars John Kitzmiller as Sgt. Jim, the American pilot, alongside Evelyne Wohlfeiler as Lotti, the German girl, and Tugo Štiglic as Marko, the Slovenian boy. Kitzmiller's performance earned him the Best Actor prize at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival.
Did Valley of Peace win any awards?
Yes. John Kitzmiller won the Best Actor award at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival for his role as Sgt. Jim — a historic achievement, as he became one of the first Black actors to win the prize at Cannes. The film also received widespread international recognition.
Is Valley of Peace based on a true story?
Valley of Peace is not based on a single documented true story, but it draws on the real historical context of World War II in Yugoslavia and the Slovenian resistance. The screenplay by France Štiglic, Vladimir Koch, Ivan Ribič, and France Jamnik blends historical atmosphere with a fictional, allegorical narrative.
Where can I stream Valley of Peace?
Valley of Peace is available to watch on Hoopla and Darkroom for free. It can also be rented or purchased through Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Who directed Valley of Peace?
Valley of Peace was directed by France Štiglic, one of the most prominent Slovenian filmmakers of the postwar era. Štiglic also co-wrote the screenplay and cast his own son, Tugo Štiglic, in the lead role of Marko, the young Slovenian boy at the heart of the story.
What makes Valley of Peace historically significant?
Valley of Peace is considered a landmark of Yugoslav cinema and a rare postwar film to foreground cross-national reconciliation. Its casting of a Black American actor in a heroic lead role, and its humanist message bridging former enemies, gave it an unusual moral depth for its era.
What language is Valley of Peace in?
Valley of Peace is primarily in Slovenian, with dialogue also spoken in English and German. This multilingual dynamic is central to the film's story, as the three main characters — Slovenian, German, and American — communicate across language barriers, reinforcing the film's theme of human connection beyond borders.
More About Valley of Peace
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