Writer and director Igor Bezinović ( A Brief Excursion ) grew up in Rijeka, Croatia. Formerly known as Fiume, which is still its Italian name, the city was the site of an experiment at a time of nascent fascism that many non-locals may not be aware of. But amid the rise of right-wing politicians around the globe and the controversy earlier this year surrounding a “gesture” by Elon Musk, Bezinović’s hybrid film Fiume o morte!, Croatia’s submission for the best international feature Oscar, seems very timely.

A mix of re-enactments and reconstructions with the help of Rijeka’s citizens, historical photos and footage, and documentary elements, it world premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam ( IFFR ), where it won the Tiger Award for best competition film befor

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