directed by Branko Schmidt, drama, 91 min, eng subtitles
written by Branko Schmidt
with Rene Bitorajac, Zrinka Cvitešić, Nataša Janjić, Leon Lučev
Danko Babić is an ambitious and amoral gynaecologist at Croatia's leading fertility clinic. When his colleague Bantić is appointed head of the clinic, Babić starts a secret war to overthrow his rival. Distracted by his ruthless campaign he makes a series of fatal mistakes that result in the death of a patient. A crooked coroner and a corrupt police officer cover up his misdeeds, while Babić grows increasingly dependent on drugs and alcohol. He begins performing illegal abortions on prostitutes working for Jedinko, a gangster who controls the local drug and sex trade. When a prostitute dies following a botched abortion, the police become suspicious but Babić's dodgy contacts save him once again by destroying evidence. He forges test results to discredit his hated rival Bantić and replaces him as chief of staff at the clinic. Now that he finally has what he wants, our protagonist wants to cut his ties with the criminal underworld. But his ‘friends' ask him for one more favour...
Winning 5 awards at Pula Film Festival 2012, Vegetarian Cannibal was characterised as "...a cruel film commentary of our present times cutting into the sick social tissue where there are truly no boundaries between respectable citizens and the social scum. Boldly, confidently and consistently, from the first to the last minute of the film".
Awards:
Pula FF 2012 (Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Make-up)
Nominated to represent Croatia at the Oscars 2013