ZLATAN VIDOVIĆ ON THE FILM “THERE WILL BE NEW SUMMERS”, HIS CAREER AND RECHARGING ENERGY

The story of the film “There Will Be New Summers”, inspired by a true event from Banja Luka, immediately captivated actor Zlatan Vidović with its warmth and local authenticity. However, he quickly realized that its message goes far beyond the borders of any single city.

PHOTO: Nemanja Babić

“Although it was born from a situation in Banja Luka, it speaks about universal themes: family relationships, economic pressures, and the human need to preserve joy despite challenges. It is both humorous and a deeply truthful picture of the time we live in,” Vidović told Hedonist magazine.

The film is a dramedy about the Škrbić family, who are obsessed with summer vacations and the idea that missing a holiday is simply not an option.

Due to a series of social circumstances, the family members find themselves in an unusual summer adventure that changes their relationships and the way they see themselves. Driven by the belief that a vacation is “mandatory,” the Škrbić family enters a chain of absurd and humorous situations that, instead of pulling them apart, help them understand each other better and reconnect.

The film ultimately speaks about family unity that can easily be lost in today’s fast-paced world but can also be rediscovered through unexpected circumstances.

BALANCING DARK HUMOR AND FAMILY TENSION

In the film, Vidović portrays a member of the family that spends ten days pretending to be on vacation inside their apartment. According to the actor, balancing dark humor with deeply suppressed family tensions was one of the key challenges.

“Balance was everything. Dark humor is our natural defense mechanism, while family tensions are something everyone recognizes. The challenge was to keep the emotion real and sincere so the audience can feel both the weight and the laughter, without exaggeration. From an acting perspective, it required a delicate measure and a lot of understanding among the actors,” he said.

NOSTALGIA FOR SIMPLER TIMES

Alongside the premiere of the film, Vidović also recorded social media videos reflecting on what summer vacations looked like during his childhood.

He believes that nostalgia certainly plays a role when people recall those times, but that life truly did feel less pressured.

“There is definitely a dose of nostalgia, but I also think people were less burdened by comparisons and expectations. Life was simpler—not because it was easier, but because priorities were different. Today we live faster and under greater pressure, which makes us idealize the past. Still, the lightness we remember does have a real foundation,” he explained.

CULTURE AS A BRIDGE ACROSS BORDERS

Vidović is known for building cultural connections with actors and artists across the region, while also taking on roles that deal with the legacy of past wars.

According to him, culture has a unique power to connect people where politics often create divisions.

“Cooperation with colleagues from across the region feels natural to me—we share the same language of art. Roles that address difficult topics, such as war, are important because they remind us that dialogue is necessary. Today it may be more important than ever to create a space where humanity and creativity are stronger than divisions,” he said.

ROOTS AS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH

Although professionally active throughout the region, Vidović remains closely connected to Republika Srpska, particularly to his hometown of Gradiška.

“That sense of belonging is part of my identity. I don’t see it as a burden but as an anchor. It reminds me of the values I grew up with and gives me a responsibility to represent my work with dignity. It’s an emotional connection that motivates me rather than holds me back,” he noted.

FINDING BALANCE IN SIMPLE MOMENTS

When the spotlight fades, Vidović says he finds the greatest enjoyment in simple everyday moments.

“I love traveling and the energy of different places, but what fulfills me the most are simple things—nature, silence, spending time with close friends, or small rituals at home. Those small daily joys restore balance and strength,” the actor concluded.