Time of Wonder / Tihi večeri

Through the veil of dusty history, the film reveals the life and work of the often overlooked marvel of Slovenian literature, Franc Ksaver Meško. A writer, priest and patriot who hasn’t been broken by the persecution of foreign authorities and the storms of war.

His legacy comes to life once again, through the images of his literary worlds, and contributions of people who were influenced by him. Film includes a major narrative part that also exists on its own as Beyond Home.

Watch the film on YouTube.

Time of Wonder consists of two parts - a documentary and narrative film. The latter is a collage of different stories, characters and tales, titled Beyond Home and brings a story full of juvenile emotions in the midst of unruly world. Literary historians, professors, relatives, parishioners and others talk about Meško, who met him in the professional or personal world.

Franc Ksaver Meško is returning to our national awareness through the film. History has put him to the side for a while, but through people who has known him, a form that looks like a writer has been taking place, one who's true to his cause and persistant literary creator. Time of Wonder shines a new light on his work and might invite viewers to also become his readers.

Screenshots from the film:

Time of Wonder, alongside the film Beyond Home was in the making for more than two years. Designing the creative process was a unique challenge. On one side there had to be a professional relation and objective perspective on the pastor and writer Meško, and the need to let the imagination flow and jump into the literary world of his work.
A different challenge altogether was the fact that Meško is my ancestor - he’s my grand-grand-uncle.
— David Sipoš, film director

Time of Wonder

Year: 2020
Production: Studio Siposh
Screenwriting: Rok Andres, Matjaž Feguš
Directors of photography: David Sipoš, Simon Gosnik
Score and sound design: Tim Žibrat
Supported by:
Municipality Sveti Tomaž, Municipality Ormož, Municipality of Slovenj Gradec, Slovenian bishop conference, Trstenjak foundation, Sodalitas, Municipality Gorišnica, Mohorjeva družba Celje.

Executive producer and director: David Sipoš

Franc Ksaver Meško

Franc Ksaver Meško (1874 - 1964), slovenian writer, priest and patriot, is one of the major figures of slovenian legacy. He was visited and read by major modern writers, Ivan and Izidor Cankar, Fran Saleški Finžgar, Lovro Kuhar - Prežihov Voranc, and others.