Under the Protection of the State

About This Movie

Under the Protection of the State is a stark documentary that immerses you in the lives of guest-worker families trapped in a dilapidated building, all under the shadow of a conniving politician. Shot with a raw, unfiltered lens, Želimir Žilnik captures the grim atmosphere of neglect and exploitation. The pacing feels deliberate, giving you time to absorb the struggles these families face, contrasted with the bureaucratic absurdities of the owner’s claims to cultural heritage. The performances—though unscripted—come off as intensely genuine, making the viewer feel complicit in their plight. What’s particularly striking is how the film embodies the tension between personal stories and larger societal issues, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease and reflection.

Raw documentary style.Explores themes of exploitation and bureaucratic negligence.Intense performances, blending personal stories with societal issues.