Set and shot in Bristol, Surviving Earth, the debut feature from writer/director Thea Gajic, will be released in UK cinemas on 24th April 2026.
Based on a true story, the film is set in Bristol in 2015, and follows Vlad (Slavko Sobin), a Yugoslav refugee and gifted musician who fled to the UK in the 90s. Now rebuilding his life in Bristol, he longs to be the father his daughter Maria (Olive Gray) deserves, but the shadows of his past refuse to fade. When he forms a band to reconnect with his roots, music becomes his lifeline – a fragile bridge between who he was and who he wants to be. But as difficulties arise, old habits begin to resurface and Vlad risks losing it all. Can he find redemption through love and music, or will the past drag him down once more?
With the film’s lead character based on writer/director Thea Gajic’s father, Bristol Film Office supported Location Manager Andy Moore to gain access to as many of the real streets and buildings in the script as possible, including Clifton Village, the Corn Exchange Offices above St Nicholas Market, Clifton Downs, and four music venues in the city, including The Jam Jar, Thekla and Zion Bristol.
BTS of Surviving Earth. Location: St Nicholas Market, Bristol (images: Metis Films/Jelani Pomell)
Describing the filmmaking experience, London-based writer/director Thea Gajic, a 2024 Screen International Star of Tomorrow, said: “The decision to film in Bristol was never in contention. Our story is set there, my dad lived there and it’s the city that holds the spirit of our film within its streets, culture and landmarks. We scouted lots of different locations, particularly Bristol’s extensive music venue scene. For our live music scenes we landed on Zion Community Cafe, The Jam Jar and Thekla – the latter two of which my dad and his band actually played on stage at. After wrapping in The Jam Jar, one of the venue staff was kind enough to gift me a poster from their gig.
BTS of Surviving Earth. Location: Zion Community Cafe, Bristol (images: Metis Films/Jelani Pomell)
“I really enjoyed transforming the old, unused offices at The Corn Exchange into our work-place set. Having access to film inside such an iconic location, full of true history and character was a real treat for us all. Bristol was ultimately another character in this film, its vibrancy informed our camaraderie, and its community adorned the film in ways another city couldn’t. I feel proud to have added to the memory bank of my father by choosing to shoot this film in Bristol and having met so many brilliant people along the way.”
BTS of Surviving Earth. Location: Corn Exchange Offices above St Nicholas Market, Bristol (images: Metis Films/Jelani Pomell)
Natalie Moore, Bristol UNESCO City of Film Manager says: “Although set in Bristol, Surviving Earth’s universal themes are relevant to audiences the world over, and as important today as any other period of history. Human resilience, healing through creativity and community, the shadow of trauma cast by war that impacts so many refugees forced to flee their countries for cities like ours, are all touched upon in this powerful film. We hope audiences in Bristol and beyond will go to the cinema to watch this poignant story, made in our city.”
Surviving Earth had its World Premiere at SXSW 2025 and was officially selected for San Francisco International Film Festival. It had its UK premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 in July and went on to screen at Encounters Festival 2025 in September.
Surviving Earth is written and directed by Thea Gajic and produced by Aleksandra Bilic (My Accomplice) and Sophie Reynolds (Sona Films) with Jamie Clark (My Accomplice) executive producing, alongside Farhana Bhula and Louise Ortega. It is made with backing from BFI and Film4 and distributed by Metis Films.
Surviving Earth opens in UK cinemas on 24th April 2026.