When it came to dealing with recent history, Yugoslav filmmakers often had surprising angles that defied expectations. This poignant seventh feature by France Štiglic – known as the director of the first Slovenian feature made after the Second World War – deals with the subject of the Holocaust through direct representation of concentration camps for the first time in Yugoslav cinema.
Architecture student Ivo (Boris Dvornik) agrees to marry Ruth (Dušica Žegarac), the Jewish daughter of a family friend, to save her life under the Nazi-collaborationist regime. This marriage of convenience is the beginning of a new hell for the couple, who soon find themselves estranged. After Ruth is taken away to a concentration camp Ivo, who once enjoyed spending time with his male friends and a girlfriend, is awakened to reality, as well his love for Ruth.
The Ninth Circle screened at Cannes, and became the first film directed by a Yugoslav director to be nominated for the Oscar. However, it was released internationally only in abridged versions. This fine new restoration, using the original camera negative, offers the complete version of a true gem of Yugoslav cinema.
Prices (purchase through the Wexner Center for the Arts):
$5 Students
$8 Members and Seniors
$10 General Public
Co-sponsored by the Wexner Center for the Arts.
