The story follows lovers Lovro and Nenad and their lifelong companions Stevan and Ivan, filmmakers who achieve acclaim in post-WWII Communist Yugoslavia even as they are forced into making propaganda for the regime. Though accepted by family and peers, their visibility draws the gaze of state surveillance, where whispers of suspicion threaten to dismantle everything they have built. Assigned to undermine them is Emir, a party loyalist concealing his own secrets, whose loyalties begin to fracture.

Infused with lush imagery, sensual honesty, and a piercing critique of authoritarianism, Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day blends historical realism with emotional urgency. Juka’s drama—part love story, part political thriller—captures the peril of living authentically under a system that demands conformity. With its resonant parallels to today’s political climate, the film serves as both a stirring history lesson and a poignant celebration of art, friendship, and the unbreakable pursuit of truth.

Selected as Croatia’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards and winner of the Audience Award for Best Film at this year’s Frameline festival.