Over the past two years, I have documented the Wild Men tradition and the Gorski Kotar region on 16mm film and 35mm photographs, aiming to connect this century-old tradition with the youth in rural areas. Growing up in a small village near Rijeka, I developed a deep connection with the stories and traditions of lesser-known Croatian places. My work, through photography and filmmaking, explores the relationship between tradition and modernity, with the Wild Men and carnival period as central themes.

The story of this film mirrors my own search for belonging, shaped by the traditions and landscapes of Gorski Kotar and Grobnik. Like many, I left for the big city, but the 2020 lockdown rekindled my connection to my roots. In contrast, Željko, the film's main character, stayed in his village, committed to his heritage. His story explores the tension between staying true to one’s roots and the desire for more, reflecting broader themes of tradition, change, and the impact of our choices in a rapidly evolving world.