Don't Believe in Monuments 1958
In this whimsical five-minute short from 1958, visionary Yugoslav filmmaker Dušan Makavejev crafts a biting satire that questions the rigid veneration of history and monuments.
Director: Dušan Makavejev
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Don't Believe in Monuments (1958) about?
The film centers on a determined young woman who attempts to awaken a cold-hearted park statue through her passionate advances, only to confront the monument's unyielding indifference. A sharp satire on state-sponsored reverence and the absurdity of idolizing history.
Who directed Don't Believe in Monuments?
Dušan Makavejev, the acclaimed Yugoslav filmmaker known for blending surreal humor with social commentary in his early works.
Who stars in Don't Believe in Monuments?
The film features Mirjana Vacić as the determined protagonist in its lead role.
Is Don't Believe in Monuments (1958) worth watching?
As a rare early short by Makavejev, its blend of absurdist comedy and subtle critique makes it a fascinating watch for fans of avant-garde cinema. Its brevity and bold premise outweigh its unrated status, offering a unique glimpse into the director's evolving style.
How long is Don't Believe in Monuments?
The film runs for 5 minutes.
About Don't Believe in Monuments (1958) — Makavejev's Satirical Short Film on Love and Monuments
In this whimsical five-minute short from 1958, visionary Yugoslav filmmaker Dušan Makavejev crafts a biting satire that questions the rigid veneration of history and monuments. 'Don't Believe in Monuments' follows a spirited young woman whose attempts to awaken passion in a cold park statue reveal the absurdity of idolizing symbolic representations of the past. With playful charm and sharp wit, Makavejev explores themes of desire, disillusionment, and the hollow rituals of state-sponsored reverence, all wrapped in a comedic tone that feels decades ahead of its time.
Makavejev's early work shines in this offbeat comedy, blending surreal humor with subtle social critique. Starring Mirjana Vacić as the determined yet ultimately thwarted protagonist, the film's minimal runtime belies its bold narrative ambition. The juxtaposition of human warmth against the statue's unyielding indifference creates an unforgettable cinematic moment, inviting viewers to reconsider the stories we choose to immortalize—and those we ignore.
Available on multiple devices, this cult classic offers a quick but thought-provoking dive into Makavejev's signature style, long before his international breakthroughs.