Quotes from JAZ SPELIC (Co-Producer)

"The story of Vukovar is ultimately universal. I've never been interested in the politics; my intentions have always been to create a story that explores a journey from light to darkness - the transformation of a town."

"The story will follow three journeys, all inspired by true events."

"Forget everything you think you know about Vukovar, this is the untold story. It will be difficult for many to experience and for others to accept, but in the end there is only the truth and I have always believed it to be worth fighting for."

"Vukovar was the beginning - the first atrocity of the Balkan wars. What the world ignored there, would only open the doorway to the further horrors that took place in Bosnia and Kosovo. This film will serve in one sense as a powerful reminder, but it is ultimately a film about the forces of the human spirit."

"The Trinity of Vukovar", follows three journeys in one town over 87 days of siege.

THE BATTLEFIELD

The battle for Vukovar was quite possibly one of the most intense and brutal to take place, in the last quarter of a century.  The Defenders on the Road of Trpinj (Trpinjska Cesta), and their leader, Blago Zadro, defied all the odds. These men were outnumbered, low on ammunition, hungry and tired - but their determination never wavered. Their story creates a fast paced and intense cinematic journey, as they struggle to resist their enemy.

THE CHURCH

Despite the thousands of projectiles that were being launched on the town each day, the Friary and Sisters of the Church of St. Filip Jakob and the nearby Church of Borovo, would not evacuate the town, but remained to serve the thousands of desperate civilians and refugees. The film will closely follow the stories of characters 'ANTON' and 'BRANKO'. Based on the real life Fra Ante Perkovic and Fra Branimir Kosec.

"I never chose to tell their story because of any religious influences. I was always more interested in exploring how people of faith fight their own unique war. It is in a simple context the story of two men whose amazing journey of faith and survival forms a lifelong friendship."         - Jaz Spelic

THE HOSPITAL

Many people know too well the story of Vukovar Hospital. The journey of Dr. Vesna Bosanac, the medical staff and patients will feature in the storyline.

"Each of these three journeys will captivate the audience in a different way, but I've always thought that the hospital is the heart of this movie. Dr. Bosanac tried so hard to keep the people within those walls safe&she kept hope alive for everyone - for eighty-seven long, hard, and unimaginable days&only to be stripped of her power at the last minute. She was taken away from those she fought so dearly to protect. What resulted was what most people have come to know as the, 'OVCARA'. Over 200 innocent people were murdered and it's time to show the world this story."

                                                            - Jaz Spelic

 BACKGROUND & PROJECT INFORMATION

In 2001, Jaz Spelic attended Summer School at London's prestigious, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. In London, he was also given the opportunity to work with the legendary Jack Waltzer, who has been known for many years as the 'on set' acting tutor to stars like Dustin Hoffman and Sigourney Weaver.

In 2002, upon returning to Sydney, he would be accepted into 'The Journey' graduate program at Actors Centre Australia, whose past graduates and students include Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Colin Farrell to name but a few.

Since graduating in 2004, Jaz has spent most of his time developing The Trinity of Vukovar. He has been employed as a guest Actor at the International Film School in Sydney and has also appeared in numerous tv commercials.

Jaz's recent film, "The Warrior", directed by Melbourne based Steve Ravic, was recently screened at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Jaz Spelic first journeyed to Vukovar, in 2004 where he met Dr. Bosanac for the first time. He since returned to Vukovar in 2006, where he was living in the Borovo Region (Borovo Naselje), for many months, researching the world of the story. During this visit, he also completed shooting the films "Pilot", which features many of the films real life characters.

"I wanted the producers to see the real people&there's something that always works about true stories provided you keep it real and simple. The pilot was a 15 minute journey that highlights each of the three journeys within the film. The response from those who've seen it to date, has been truly amazing."                    

- Jaz Spelic

There are already a number of exciting people who are onboard for this project, with many more to follow in the coming months. Renowned international Artist, Dr. Charles Billich, will attend various stages of the shoot to create artworks encapsulating "The Creation of a Film - Based on a True Story."

"Nothing like this has ever been done in this kind of way before&that's why Charles has always been the ideal candidate. I've had the amazing privilege of watching Charles paint whilst in Sarajevo last year. It almost frightens me to imagine what he will create when working on the subject of Vukovar. His contribution will be nothing short of extraordinary."              - Jaz Spelic

BACKGROUND & PROJECT INFO

"At this stage, we've still got a lot to get done before shooting takes place. My closest estimate if all goes to plan would be mid to late 2008. I've had the privilege of meeting some of the team at JADRAN Film in Zagreb, and was very impressed with the technical standards offered in Croatia. The challenge is that most foreign Producers and Investors tend to push for projects to be shot where they have already worked before - such as the Czech Republic or Hungary. However, it's always been a major goal of mine to have this film shot entirely in Croatia, and we're still to make a final decision, with a number of key meetings still to take place."                                      - Jaz Spelic

Also working heavily on the project is Australian born multi-instrumentalist John Puškaš, who has composed and recorded original music both in Sydney and Zagreb. "We've already had the chance to collaborate with the amazing musical ensemble TRESNJEVKA, lead by Tihomir Zlatič and Božo Potočnik. This ensemble has such a remarkable talent, but what makes them truly amazing is their group dynamic and energy. We had a few nights out in Zagreb with these guys and our stomach muscles were sore for the three days that followed. A very funny mob!"

"This film would quite possibly be the largest international production ever to be filmed in Croatia. There'd be a lot of work for members of the Croatian film industry, not to mention the chance to collaborate with some of the best in the world."

"Prepare for an extraordinary human journey. Action, Drama, Suspense and the Spiritual - this film has it all."                                   -- Jaz Spelic

"Oscar Nominee to be offered role of Dr. Vesna Bosanac"

Australian Actress and Oscar Nominee, Toni Collette, is set to be offered the role of Dr. Vesna Bosanac, in the upcoming feature film, "The Trinity of Vukovar.'" Collette, 34, received an Oscar Nomination in 1999, for her performance in the international blockbuster, "The Sixth Sense'", where she acted opposite co-star, Bruce Willis.

"Toni is one of the most amazing actresses out there today. She truly transforms into the characters she plays. I think she'd bring the character of Dr. Vesna Bosanac and the story of Vukovar to life in a truly unique way. She has always been my first choice and I can't wait to meet her in the very near future..." - Jaz Spelic

Colette, is just one of many international cast members, being offered roles in what is set to be a multi-million dollar production. Since 1999, she has appeared in a number of successful projects. Her recent film, 'Little Miss Sunshine', won two Oscars at this years Academy Awards and received enormous international praise.


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