Synopsis
World War II is underway in Yugoslavia. A young child, fleeing from the fascist unit that killed their parents and burned their village, finds temporary refuge in the home of a stranger—an Albanian man named Nur Doka.
A significant difference between them becomes evident: the child is Christian, while Nur is Muslim. In wartime Yugoslavia, this fact often marked the line between life and death.
Nur, the head of the household, faces a profound moral dilemma as his home comes under intense siege by fascist forces. He must choose whether to:
– Hand over the child to the persecutors, thereby compromising his deeply held beliefs and family code, or
– Endanger his own family’s safety in a desperate, possibly futile attempt to save a young foreigner of a different religion and nationality.
When Nur exhausts all options, he’s confronted with a choice that will not only test his principles but also shape his legacy. And the question remains: WHAT WILL NUR DO?
*Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II, this film unfolds over 36 intense hours along the Montenegrin border in Yugoslavia. Through the journey of one individual daring to stand against the might of the stronger, this film ignites reflection and inspires change. In a world where warring factions still push relentlessly toward mutual destruction, this story is a powerful reminder that humanity is our ultimate victory over violence and ruin. In times of war, being human is our most vital mission. IN TIMES OF WAR, HUMANITY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER!
Excerpts from reviews:
The Cairo Film Festival welcomed the film ‘The Tower of Strength’ with great ecstasy. Eco del Cinema – Italia
Nikola Vukčević, with his latest work, managed to create a suspense-packed genre film rich in fantasy – at times horror-like – motifs, superlative landscape shots and characters that would be a match for THE LORD OF THE RINGS’. Bernd Buder, Cottbus film festival, Germany
‘The Tower of Strength’ at the Cairo Film Festival celebrates honor and humanity as a response to violence. Il Messaggero – Italia
It is a gripping historical drama rich in elements of fantasy, reflecting the conflict between humanity and brutality, as well as between courage and fear. Yet, universal human values transcend the deepest differences, and Vukčević’s ‘The Tower of Strength’ transforms into a story of sacrifice and a prayer for peace in its profound depth. Politika, Serbia
The Tower of Strength’ is a tight piece of cinema that evokes the traditional genres of a war movie and a western, without ever over-using the genre approach to the detriment of the drama at the film’s core. Cineuropa
Nikola Vukčević manages to maintain the film’s pace while also having the opportunity to explore all the existential and philosophical questions it leaves open. This film is an experience that demonstrates that humanity, as a symbol of victory over violence and destruction, becomes more important than ever, especially when faced with the fate of war. FIPRESCI critic, Zein Alabedin Khairy