Ognian Zheliazkov

Two novels united by common characters and a never-settled problem: the clash between sincerity of children and the heartless pragmatism and ambitions of grown-ups.

In this earnest movie from Bulgaria, the minds of the young people attending a Young Pioneer (communist youth) camp in the 1950s are shown to be easily molded into a conformist vein. Later, at a "voluntary labor" camp in the 1960s, the final touches are put on their education as proper young communists.

A former Yugoslav resistance fighter, Gregor Zidar, resurfaces in his old village in 1986, where locals have long believed him dead after his heroic act of saving hostages in 1944. Instead of gratitude, he faces cold suspicion and outright rejection.