Documentary on St. Sava in Production with Support of Serbian Orthodox Church
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Željko Mirković leads project spanning Athos, Balkans, and beyond.
The production company Optimistic Film has launched a feature-length documentary and series titled “Saint Sava.” The project is being done with the blessing of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and in cooperation with the brotherhood of Hilandar Monastery.
Filming has already been completed at key Athonite monasteries, including Hilandar, Vatopedi, and Stari Rusik, with exclusive interviews and extensive drone and multi-camera footage. Additional shoots are planned across the Balkans, Jerusalem, Mount Sinai, Turkey, Bulgaria, and the United States to capture the full historical and spiritual scope of Saint Sava’s life.
The initiative came from Dr. Nenad Janićijević, a Pittsburgh-based Serbian philanthropist, and Miloš Kosta Papić, who brought on award-winning director Dr. Željko Mirković. Known for "Tesla Nation" and "The Second Meeting," Mirković has received 131 international awards and teaches documentary filmmaking at the University of Connecticut.
“The story of Saint Sava is not only about our faith, state, and people, but also about a vision deeply embedded in the DNA of Serbs - wherever they live around the world, and wherever they have lived throughout the centuries,” Mirković said. The film seeks to highlight Saint Sava’s enduring spiritual influence, viewed as so profound that the Ottoman Empire burned his relics centuries after his repose.
Abbot Metodije of Hilandar said this shows us that they still saw him as alive, even though they weren't believers.
Currently in production, “Saint Sava” aims to reach a global audience as a story of faith, unity, and identity, offering guidance for present and future generations.
