Tito and Me

Zoran is an overweight 10-year-old living in an overcrowded apartment in socialist Yugoslavia. His parents are artists—a pianist and a ballerina—and they share the flat with his aunt, uncle, and grandmother. The tense living situation mirrors the Land Reform era and the social strain between families in their neighborhood.

Zoran's parents express skepticism about Tito's rule, while Zoran himself views Tito as his personal hero. He learns in school that Tito is the greatest man to have ever lived. He daydreams about meeting him.

Zoran writes a poem titled 'Why I Like the President' and submits it to Belgrade's schoolwriting contest. The poem is judged the best among the entries. As a prize, he wins a week's camping trip with other children from regime-favored families.

The camping trip is depicted as a privilege for favored families, and Zoran joins with Jasna, an older orphan girl whom he admires. The trip is led by Raja, a ruthless party member who will test the children and push them to their limits.

From the outset, Raja cranks up the rivalry with Zoran. Teasing about Zoran's weight and appearance follows, but Zoran remains unfazed and presses on with his dream of meeting Tito. The group dynamics establish a tense camp atmosphere.

During a break on the trek, Zoran sees Kengur kiss Jasna, which sparks jealousy and confusion. The moment contrasts Zoran's idealized hero worship with the messy love interests and social games among the children. The mood shifts as romantic feelings complicate friendships.

The trip reaches a castle where Raja and Kengur pretend to be ghosts, terrifying the younger kids while they spend the night inside. The prank reveals the crueller undercurrents of their camp culture and the adults' attempt to control the group. The castle stay cements the trip's absurd and oppressive tone.

Raja accuses Zoran of stealing a ring he wanted to give Jasna. The teacher or guards threaten to send him home by train, but a girl steps forward, and gradually the other students join Zoran, overturning the expulsion. Ultimately, it is decided that Zoran will continue the trip.

The group finishes the journey and arrives at Tito's palace. Zoran is asked to give a speech, and he corrects his poem by saying he loves his parents more than Tito and that he doesn't even like Tito very much. The moment shifts the narrative from hero worship to personal honesty.

A banquet follows the reception where all the children meet Tito. Zoran feels disillusioned by the ceremony and the myth of the great leader begins to crack under the weight of his personal honesty. The crowd's excitement contrasts with Zoran's growing detachment.

While the other children mingle with Tito, Zoran quietly slips away to the buffet and savors the food. The act marks a private rejection of propaganda and a small, stubborn choice to enjoy simple pleasures. It ends the trip on a note of personal independence from the regime's myth.