Step into 90s Croatia with Our Short Film: Touch of Red

Touch of Red is an action/drama short film set in 90s Croatia, told in reverse. Set during an era rarely seen on film, this story of love, conflict, and resilience needs your support on Hithit to come to life. Let’s create something meaningful together!

Author: Kajan Bulic

  • 90s Croatian collage #1

  • Working on Pre-Production #1

  • 90s Croatian collage #2

  • Working on Pre-Production #2

EUR 12,065
pledged of EUR 12,000

100%

100% completed

70 contributors pledged

Film

Prague, Czechia

All or nothing. Project finished on Oct 7, 2024 at 10:29.

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How it started...

Touch of Red came from my fascination with the 90s in Croatia—a time of intense change and emotion that hasn't been widely explored in films. I grew up hearing stories from that era and always felt they needed to be shared. This film is my way of bringing those untold stories to life. As a lifelong dreamer, this project is a deep dive into my inner world too. It is about rediscovering the past and understanding how events shape us, all through the lens of a single, transformative Halloween night.​

The Story

Touch of Red follows two teenage neighbors, Ivan and Matilda, on a transformative Halloween night in 1994. As they navigate through the chaotic streets of war-torn Zagreb, their lives intertwine in ways they never expected. The story reveals how a chance encounter at a grocery store leads them into a night of unexpected connections, intense emotions, and pivotal choices. From their first meeting to their escape into the underground club, Oasis, where social barriers vanish, their journey becomes a deep exploration of identity.

Through their journey, we explore themes of first love, the search for belonging, and the strength to hold on to hope in the midst of a troubled world. As they evade the police and confront the harsh realities of their environment, Ivan and Matilda's story captures the essence of growing up in a war-torn country, reflecting on love, loss, and the quest for personal freedom. The night is filled with choices that shape their future in unexpected ways, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

This film brings to life an era not often seen on screen. Touch of Red is about understanding the past, finding hope in the present, and celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

... and still something more

Did you know Touch of Red tells its story backwards? Imagine starting at the end and slowly discovering how everything happened. It's like piecing together a puzzle, seeing how each part fits to reveal the whole picture.

What is our goal?

This film aims to delve into the complexities of youth, love, and the impact of societal upheaval. Through the personal stories of Ivan and Matilda, we explore strong anti-war themes, showcasing the harsh realities of conflict and its effects on everyday lives. We aim to highlight resilience, the quest for identity, and the power of human connections in times of turmoil. By bringing these themes to the forefront, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and provoke thoughtful discussion among our audience. We want this film to be more than just a story; it should be an experience that pulls at the heartstrings and leaves audiences glad they were part of bringing it to life. We're dedicated to making Touch of Red a film that you'll love to watch, discuss, and remember.

About me

My name is Kajan Branimir Bulic, and I am a Croatian writer and film director living in Prague. I've been making films since the age of 10. At 11, I taught myself how to do visual effects, which enabled me to make my first short sci-fi film at age 12. At the age of 12, my first short film Fiverr Island, which I made with my schoolmates, was featured on national television. Since then, I have continued to make films and refining my craft.

At 15, I served as a member of the youth jury at the Four River Film Festival and have since attended various festivals with my later films. I made Runaway when I was 14 and then screened my film Pawn's Game at Four River in 2018. In 2023, I made Victory Lap, followed by my debut short documentary Fate in 2024, which chronicles the artistic journey of Zin Minphyo, a Burmese artist who moved away from Burma due to a military coup.

After moving to Prague, I co-founded a production company called Bark, through which we have made various films, short documentaries, and music videos.

This project is my biggest and most exciting to date. Bringing this untold narrative to life is a dream come true, and I am thrilled to make it a reality.

Why are you doing this?

Touch of Red is the culmination of my ten years of filmmaking and a deep passion for storytelling. It's my biggest project yet and the most exciting one, because we're bringing a forgotten era back to life. We have an amazing team that's all in to make this film happen. By raising funds on Hithit, we can make this movie our way, with complete creative freedom, without having to follow someone else's rules (as is the case with film funds). This film means a lot to us, and we want to share this important story with the world exactly as we imagine it.

We need your help to make Touch of Red happen. It would mean the world to have you with us. Thank you for being part of our story.

News

Aug 12, 2024 We have a website!

As an extension of my personal website, there is a whole webpage dedicated to Touch of Red where you will be able to follow our progress, have easy access to our socials, learn more about team members, and will be able to access exclusive content. Check it out: https://www.kajanbulic.com…

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 6
    Thank You Email

    A heartfelt thank you email for supporting our project. (You can choose your own amount)

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    EUR 10
  • sold 11
    Name Listed on the Website

    Get your name listed on the official  Touch of Red website under a “Thank You” section as a supporter of the film.

    Reward delivery: in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 15
  • sold 7
    Exclusive Email Updates

    Receive exclusive email updates about the film's progress, including behind-the-scenes photos and updates not shared publicly.

    Reward delivery: in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 25
  • sold 2
    Custom Playlist Inspired by the Film

    Get access to a Spotify playlist curated by the director, inspired by the themes and mood of  Touch of Red.

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    EUR 30
  • sold 3
    Digital BTS Photobook

    Receive a 4K digital Behind-The-Scenes photobook featuring exclusive images from the production. Sent via email.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 35
  • sold 0
    Private Link to Unused Takes

    Get access to a private link with a selection of  unused takes or scrapped scenes from the film once it’s completed. Sent via email.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 40
  • sold 2
    Sneak Peek at the Script

    Access an excerpt from the script of  Touch of Red, giving you a glimpse into the story before the film is released.

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    EUR 45
  • sold 6
    Exclusive Character Bio PDF

    Download an exclusive PDF containing in-depth character bios, backstory details, and insights into the film’s characters.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 50
  • sold 0
    Digital "Making Of" Documentary

    Get a 4K digital copy of the "Making Of" documentary, available after the film's release. Sent via email.

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 55
  • sold 4
    Digital Copy of the Script

    A digital copy of the final film script, available after the film's release. Sent via email.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 70
  • sold 11
    Digital Access to Final Film + Exclusive Q&A

    Get 4K digital access to the final film once it's released, plus an invitation to an exclusive online Q&A session with the director and select cast members.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 90
  • sold 8
    Signed Art Print (Physical Item)

    A signed art print (by the crew) from the film, delivered after the film’s release. Sent via physical mail.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 250
  • sold 2
    Digital Producer's Bundle

    Receive an Associate Producer credit in the film, plus access to all previous digital rewards: BTS photobook, "Making Of" documentary, script with annotations, and final film access with exclusive Q&A.

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 300
  • sold 4
    Executive Producer Credit + Personalized Video Message

    Receive an Executive Producer credit in the film, plus a personalized video message from the director thanking you for your incredible support. Additionally, you'll get access to all previous digital rewards. (Please tell us your name in the additional note section)

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 500
  • sold 4
    Personal Access to the Film's Premiere in Prague

    Receive an invitation to join us in person for the premiere of Touch of Red in Prague. Experience the film's debut alongside the cast and crew, and be part of this special moment. (Note: Travel and accommodation expenses are not included; however, you’ll have exclusive permission to attend and are warmly welcome to join us.)

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,000