Film still of Dolina Miru (The Valley of Peace) © RR
Dolina Miru (Valley of Peace): the great war classic comes back to Cannes
The film earned John Kitzmiller the Best Actor Award at Cannes in 1957, and is back this year in a restored version. Dolina Miru (Valley of Peace) by France Štiglic was one of the first ever Yugoslav films, a few years before it developed.
It's the middle of the Second World War, and after losing their parents, Marko and Lotti try to reach the “valley of peace” to find shelter. On their way, they meet an American pilot, John, fleeing after the crash of his plane. Both the German enemy and the allies are racing to find him, but John is slowed down by the two children he has taken under his wing.
In the 1950s, with Dolina Miru (Valley of Peace), France Štiglic brought Yugoslav film (hitherto relatively unknown) to a world stage. He had already started the movement in 1949 with a first selection at Cannes for Na Svoji zemlji (On Our Own Land), but this time, the filmmaker was recognised by critics for his mastery, precision and sincerity.
There were accolades too for John Kitzmiller, winner of Best Actor. This former GI came to film a few years after landing in Italy, after a proposal from a director looking for a black soldier. John Kitzmiller then starred in a score of movies, mostly Italian, before moving the audience in Valley of Peace. His career took off and he later became known for his parts in Dr. No (1962) and in Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1965) in which he plays the title role.
A presentation by the Slovenian Film Centre. 2K sound and picture restoration from a 4K scan, an interpositive and an internegative of a 35mm black and white film. Sound restoration from a 35mm optical sound negative.
