Writer/Director Nebojša Slijepčević; Stars: Goran Bogdan, Alexis Maneti and Dragan Mićanović.
The film is based on a true event that occurred during the Bosnian Conflict between Serbian and Croatian people. On 27 February 1993, a passenger train from Belgrade to Bar pulled in at the Strpci Railway Station near Višegrad, and was boarded by members of the Serbian paramilitary unit the Avengers (Osvetnici). As they haul off innocent civilians, only one man out of 500 passengers dares to stand up to them.
Nebojša Slijepčević’s The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent is a profound and reflective short film that paints a bleak no holds barred picture of a terrible event that parallels other equally horrific events in human history. Known for his insightful documentaries such as ‘Gangster of Love’, Slijepčević steps into dramatization of a true story that is compact yet powerful in its telling, leaving the audience contemplating their own roles in a world often fraught with silence in the face of wrongdoing. Yet in this bleak and horrific situation shines a courageous light and it’s here Slijepčević’s sharp and deliberate direction comes into play.
Each scene is meticulously crafted to heighten the tension that fills the train cars once the Serbian soldiers board. Slijepčević keeps the camera primarily focussed up close on each character ensuring the audience witnesses the events through their perspective: from the emotional turmoil of passengers Dragan (Goran Bogdan), and muslim passenger Milan (Silvio Mumelas) to the cold and calculating soldier (Alexis Maneti). The actors ability to convey their emotions make these scenes some of the most powerful, amplified by cinematographer Gregor Bozic. Slijepčević and Bozic use the tight, claustrophobic shots of the train cars to convey the fear and tension felt by the passengers, of the walls closing in on the passengers. At the centre of this all is the man of the title, Tomo Buzov (to whom the film is dedicated), an award worthy performance by Dragan Mićanović.
What makes Buzov’s character so compelling is his internal struggle — he is not a self-assured hero, but just another passenger on the train. Yet his actions are heroic, and with Buzov’s selfless deed the dual emotions of fear and courage are evident in Slijepčević nuanced exploration of moral responsibility. The film’s narrative feels like a commentary on both historical events and contemporary issues, where speaking out can be seen as either an act of courage or a dangerous folly. What it feels more like is a commemoration of courage, and the strength it takes to do the right thing even in the face of terrible consequences.

‘The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent’ is an evocative and thought-provoking short film that challenges the viewer to consider their own relationship with justice, morality, and silence to perhaps ask the question, would I have done the same if I were in that situation? Of course the film’s aim was never to identify with the ‘hero’ but to inform, ask questions and provoke discussion.
Slijepčević’s skill as a storyteller, aided by powerful performances, shines in the film’s pace as he clearly knows when to slow down, giving the audience space to absorb the weight of the characters’ decisions. It also serves as a counterbalance to the intense moments, allowing the tension to build naturally without feeling rushed or forced. The film’s short runtime works in its favour, focusing on the essence of the story without unnecessary distractions, leaving an indelible impression on one’s psyche long after the credits roll.
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