Holy Defiance () is a 2026 short documentary film written and directed by Karla Jelić. It follows multimedia artist Arijana Lekić as her "Holy Defiance" creates a vivid, lively, energetic and varied portrait of women's rights in post-war Croatia.
The film had its world premiere in Short Films at the Sheffield DocFest on 11 June 2026 in Activism programme. and its regional premiere at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival on 18 August 2026, in the Competition programme - short documentary film, where it won Heart of Sarajevo for Best Short Documentary Film award.
Synopsis
Background
On the first Saturday of every month, groups of men who call themselves "The Knights of the Immaculate Heart of Mary" occupy central squares across Croatian cities. Kneeling in prayer, they advocate for patriarchy, re-traditionalization, and restrictions on women's freedoms, transforming public spaces into zones where women are barred from entering, even when they wish to pray themselves.
Silent Mass
Arijana travels to a different city each month to perform her quiet yet radical feminist intervention, "Silent Mass", weaving red string through the cordoned-off areas to reclaim space symbolically. What begins as indifference from the prayer participants escalates into hostility, intimidation, and aggressive confrontations involving the men, hired security, and even police. As the chants calling for male spiritual dominance drone on, Arijana's persistent, silent presence becomes an act of profound courage.
Cast Arijana Lekić Fridrih
Release Holy Defiance had its world premiere at the Sheffield DocFest on 10 June 2026 in Shorts: Thresholds of Faith strand.
It also competed for Heart of Sarajevo award in the Competition programme - Short Documentary Film at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival on 18 August 2026.
Accolades
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient Result Sarajevo Film Festival 21 August 2026 Heart of Sarajevo for Best Short Documentary FilmHoly Defiance
References
External links