JOYMAKERS
(46 min) Serbia

[watch trailer]
Director: Jelena Radenović
Producer:
Nada Miljković

Description:
A captivating documentary that delves into the lives of Roma trumpeters in the south of Serbia, showcasing their incredible talent and passion for music. However, it also unveils the harsh reality they face as musicians and Romi. Passed down through generations, the art of trumpet playing is a double-edged sword, as improper techniques and excessive air use take a toll on their health, often leading to lung diseases. At the heart of the film is Maksut Maksutović Maksa, the renowned teacher of Roma trumpeters, who crafted authentic jazz arrangements and provided livelihoods for many musicians. When US professor Nada Miljković, a friend of Maksa, stumbles upon and meets his student and successor Milan Donja Nikolić, she embarks on a mission to share their story. Their goal is to establish a school where gifted children can learn to play properly and kickstart their musical careers more easily.

Biography:

Jelena Radenović is a Serbian film director, actress, film theorist, and acting pedagogue with a rich background in the arts, Jelena holds an undergraduate degree in acting and a Ph.D. in film theory from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. Her scholarly work has been recognized by the Film Center of Serbia, and she has experience as a TV journalist. Jelena is the creative force behind three documentaries: Turning Point, Milestones, and And the River Still Flows, all acclaimed at numerous domestic and international festivals. She has collaborated with UN Women, further highlighting her diverse career in the film industry and commitment to gender issues.

Nada Miljković is a multifaceted Digital Arts Creator, Filmmaker, and Educator, currently finalizing her Ph.D. at the University of Arts, Belgrade. She brings over a decade of expertise in storytelling, project management, and curriculum development from her tenure at UC Santa Cruz. As a faculty member, she has significantly contributed to program coordination, partnership development, and fundraising. She is also the CEO of GetVirtual, facilitating online growth for local businesses by linking them with college talent, and leads the United Services Agency, a nonprofit that supports educational, cultural, and service projects.
  
Contact Information:

e: nadamiljkovic@gmail.com
w: https://www.joymakers.net/





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