Watch The Parade

The Parade is an award-winning Serbian film that explores the complexities of social and cultural issues in modern-day Belgrade. Directed by Srdjan Dragojevic, the movie follows the journey of a group of activists as they organize the first-ever LGBTQ parade in the conservative and homophobic city. The plot revolves around the lives of several main characters, including Mirko (Nikola Kojo), a gay-rights activist who runs a successful interior design company with his partner, Radmilo (Milos Samolov). When Mirko receives news that his close friend, Ceda (Goran Jevtic), has been brutally attacked by a gang of skinheads, he decides to take action. With the help of his friends and colleagues, he decides to organize a peaceful gay parade to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community and protest against the violence and discrimination they face in Serbia.

However, the task proves to be much more challenging than anticipated as they face strong opposition from religious groups, extremist nationalists, and even the police. As the date of the parade approaches, tensions rise and the team faces a series of setbacks and obstacles which test their resolve and threaten to derail their plans.

The Parade is not only a powerful social commentary on the struggles of marginalized communities but also a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and perseverance. The film's strong cast, led by Kojo and Samolov, deliver standout performances that evoke both laughter and tears.

One of the movie's strong points is its ability to present the story as a black comedy without ridiculing the serious issues at hand. It tackles serious topics with lightness and sensitivity and thus is a valuable contribution to cultural conversations about sexuality and prejudice.

The humor is often tailored to the cultural references of Belgrade, but it is universal enough to resonate with diverse audiences. The Parade is also reflective of the changing attitudes of Eastern European countries, which are slowly but surely starting to move towards equality and tolerance.

The film has won numerous awards, including the Best Screenplay at the Sarajevo Film Festival, the Cineuropa Prize at the Brussels Film Festival, and the Best Actor award for Kojo at the Montenegro Film Festival. It was Serbia's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars in 2012, making it the first Serbian film to be submitted in 16 years.

In conclusion, The Parade is an entertaining and thought-provoking movie that tackles serious social issues with humor and sensitivity. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in LGBTQ rights or Eastern European cinema.