When Santa Was a Communist (Bosnian: Djeda Mraz u Bosni, ) is a 2024 black comedy film co-written, co-produced and directed by Emir KapetanoviÃÂ. Starring Mirvad KuriÃÂ, Zana MarjanoviÃÂ, Miraj GrbiÃÂ, Mirza TanoviÃÂ and Kristin Winters. It is about a group of actors who travel across the country to perform a Christmas play that brings joy to children, but not to adults.
In December 2023, a group of actors travel to smaller settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina to perform a play about Santa Claus. The children are delighted, waiting patiently for the presentation. However, old conflicts among adults will awaken when they recognize the figure of Santa Claus as a communist.
Principal photography began on 11 March 2023, and wrapped on 3 April 2023, in Bugojno, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The film had its world premiere on 21 August 2024, at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, then screened on 23 August 2024, at the 6th Avantura Film Festival, on 18 October 2024, at the 13th Tuzla Film Festival, and on 26 November 2024, at the 55th International Film Festival of India.