How the War Started on My Island

The film follows Gajski, who travels to an island in 1991 to rescue his son from the army as Yugoslav forces still occupy parts of Croatia. The locals, determined to reclaim their land, besiege the military barracks while hosting a festival aimed at persuading Major Aleksa and his soldiers to surrender. The tense situation escalates when Major Aleksa threatens to blow up the island using explosives from within the barracks.

As a comedy set during a war, the film balances humor with serious themes, reflecting the struggles of a community in the face of conflict. The runtime of 97 minutes allows for a concise narrative that captures both the absurdity and gravity of the situation, making it a unique entry in the war genre. This film's exploration of local resilience during a tumultuous time in history offers collectors a distinct perspective on the Croatian experience during the 1990s.