Personal Touch: Beyond Our World: How My Grandpa is an Alien (2019) Elevated Croatian Sci-Fi

 

Beyond Our World: How My Grandpa is an Alien (2019) Elevated Croatian Sci-Fi

Released in 2019, the Croatian film Moj dida je pao s marsa (English: My Grandpa is an Alien) emerged as a notable addition to the country's cinematic landscape, particularly for its place in the science fiction genre for a younger audience. Co-directed by Marina Andree Škop and Dražen Žarković, the film is a family-friendly sci-fi adventure that has been celebrated for its ambitious technical achievements and universal themes.

One of the film's most praiseworthy aspects is its high production quality and visual effects, a significant leap for Croatian cinema. As a co-production with several other European countries—including Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—the film was able to utilize contemporary filmmaking technologies and techniques. The CGI and visual effects, especially in creating the small, grumpy robot Dodo and the “alien” energy beings, are often cited as being on par with international standards. This technical sophistication, combined with beautiful cinematography showcasing Croatia's natural landscapes, provides a visually rich and engaging experience for children and adults alike. The film's story, based on the tale Moj dida je vanzemaljac by Irena Krčelić, is another strength. It centers on a young girl named Una who, after her grandfather is abducted by aliens, discovers he is an alien himself and must team up with his small robot pilot to save him. The narrative successfully weaves together a classic sci-fi premise with heartwarming themes of friendship, family, and self-sacrifice, all while addressing issues like school bullying in a relatable way.

However, some critics have pointed out minor inconsistencies in the film's plot logic. A few younger or more sensitive viewers might find some scenes, such as the depiction of the grandfather's distress or a mother's illness, to be a bit intense. Despite these small critiques, the film's overall spirit is widely regarded as positive and uplifting, drawing favorable comparisons to classic family-friendly sci-fi adventures of the 1980s, such as Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Moj dida je pao s marsa has enjoyed a significant degree of festival success, both domestically and internationally. At the prestigious Pula Film Festival in 2019, it was recognized for its technical excellence, winning the Golden Arena for Best Visual Effects and the Golden Arena for Best Cinematography. Its leading young actress, Lana Hranjec, also earned accolades, including the Brigitte Helm Award for Best Actress at the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival and the Best Actress award at the Brave International Film Festival for Children and Youth. The film has been screened at numerous international festivals around the world, from Montreal and Sarajevo to Warsaw and Seoul, earning awards such as Best Feature Film at FICLAPAZ in Bolivia. It also won the Golden Fox for Best Family/Children's Film at the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival. It has been distributed in all seven co-producing countries and an additional 26 countries, including the US, Russia, and Japan. This widespread international presence and critical recognition suggest a high level of success beyond its Croatian origin. While specific Croatian box office numbers are not readily available, the film's extensive festival run and international distribution indicate it has been a well-received and celebrated film, making it a proud and successful achievement for the country's film industry.

A Personal note

My role in the production team at Studio Dim was clearly multifaceted. I was not only involved in production but also had a small acting part. Handled logistics and looked after the actors. The project's international scope, with a high budget and collaboration between few Europeans country made it a significant production. Filming in locations like Brežice, Slovenia, Karlovac and Gorski Kotar, Croatia, added to the film's authenticity, and the robot alien from Slovakia was a testament to the international teamwork. The atmosphere, on set, was ideal. Having Marina Andree Škop as a calm, experienced mentor and my boss Darija Kulenović Gudan as the executive producer created a supportive, low-stress environment. That kind of team dynamic is invaluable, especially during challenging 22-day shoots with unpleasant weather and demanding night schedules. I had a challenge of working with child actors, ensuring their well-being and health during late-night filming. The care and attention all of us to kids gave to them speak volumes about the team's professionalism and empathy.

Ultimately, the most meaningful part of my story is the premiere. Seeing my name in the credits and witnessing my 10-year-old daughter's pride—with her entire school watching the film—was a memory to cherish. It's clear that all the hard work and long nights were worth it for that moment of shared joy and pride with my daughter.

WATCH FULL FILM (Dailymotion) No English subtitles