While tourism is booming in Dalmatia these days, it was not always so, and even today, away from the coast, farm life is not easy. A stunning reminder from 60 years ago of the harsh realities of daily life in Konavle, south of Dubrovnik.
Agrotourism in a growing business in Croatia these days, as tourists come in search of authentic lifestyles and traditions.
Croatia has plenty of that, and there are many amazing attractions to see which present life as it once was here, attractions which thrill visitors and add to Croatia's unique appeal. One such example is the olive il mill in Skrip on the island of Brac, which I visited with a group of international tour operators recently (read about it here - amazing place).
Romanticising the past for tourism purposes is one thing, but what was the reality of life like before the advent of significant tourism? A wonderful, wonderful video of the realities of life in Konavle region, south of Dubrovnik, back in 1954, is available on YouTube (one commentator dates the film at 1949). It is part fo a 5-part series called Yugoslav Farm Family, How We Live, and the summary says it all:
The hardy, independent farmers of the Dalmatian coast struggle with a harsh land and an oppressive government. Frank Moore's score is based on Yugoslav folk melodies (1964 IFF catalog).
Yugoslav Farm Family
Series Title: How We Live
Summary:
The hardy, independent farmers of the Dalmatian coast struggle with a harsh land and an oppressive government. Frank Moore's score is based on Yugoslav folk melodies (1964 IFF catalog).
Description:
Edited Film
Country/Location: Yugoslavia (Dalmatian coast, Macedonia)
Tribe or Group: N/A
Cinematographer: Kenneth Richter
Production Company: IFF
Additional Production: Music by Frank Moore
Running Time: 14 min.
Years Filmed: mid-1950s (?)
Decade Produced: 1950s (filmed), 1960s (edited)
Years Distributed: -1964
Film Gauge: 16mm
Stock: Color Safety
Footage Count: 504'
Sound: Un-narrated
Notes: Edited in the 1960's from footage shot in the 1950's. There are 5 titles in the How We Live series.
http://www.internationalfilmfoundation.org/films/show/768
