Houston, we have a problem! Slovenian candidate for Oscar nomination for best foreign-language film

Another success of the mock-documentary by Žiga Virc

Žiga Virc. Foto: MMC RTV SLO / Ana Šircelj

"The spectator is seduced by the supremely structured narrative, yet it keeps pulling firm ground from under his feet. By innovative intertwining of a documentary and feature sequences Houston trifles with myths and film cliches, and – by purposeful manipulation – exposes them to our eyes."

That's the explanation given by the expert jury in their argumentation for choosing Houston, we have a problem! by Žiga Virc for the Slovenian candidate for 2017 Oscar nomination for the best foreign-language film. The film is exploring the myth of the alleged American purchase of the secret Yugoslav space programme in the early 60s; the jury described it as an overall perfected and accomplished film which employs all the film assets. Using a relaxed and playful approach, he is sovereignly leading the spectator through the bizarre narrative.

Rich festival life of the Virč's film
Houston, with the world premiere in the official programme of the respected New York Tribec festival, was given Vesna award by the jury for the best feature film at the recently ended Slovenian Film Festival (FSF) in Portorož. It was shown at the festivals in Karlovy Vary, Pulj, Traverse City Film Festival in the USA, and DokuFest in Prizren. It is the first film from the territory of the former Yugoslavia to get financial support, and be included in the HBO TV programme. It is a Slovenia-Croatia-Germany-Check-Qatar co-production.

P. G.
Translated by G. K.