When Father Was Away on Business
1985, Serbo-Croatian. Directed by Emir Kusturica.
In a post-WWII Yugoslavia still under Stalinist rule in the 1950s, six-year-old Malik is oblivious as to why his father, Mehmed, has suddenly disappeared. In truth, Mehmed has been sent to a labor camp as punishment for acts of sexual indiscretion involving young girls. Malik's mother, Senija, however, has no answers, and the family must cope in the father's absence.
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Serbo-Croatian
- Rated
- Check local
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Worth the Hype
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7.3/10 from 165 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch When Father Was Away on Business
When Father Was Away on Business isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 15 January 1985.
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Cast & crew
- Emir KusturicaDirector
- Moreno de BartoliMalik
- Predrag 'Miki' ManojlovićMehmed 'Meša' Zolj, otac
- Mirjana KaranovićSenija 'Sena' Zolj, majka
- Mustafa NadarevićZijah 'Zijo' Zulfikarpašić
- Mira FurlanAnkica Vidmar
- Predrag LakovićKućepazitelj Franjo
- Pavle VuisićMuzafer Zulfikarpašić, dedo
- Slobodan AligrudićOstoja Cekić
- Eva RasIlonka Petrović
- Aco GjorčevDr. Jevgeni Ljahov
- Emir HadžihafizbegovićFahro Zulfikarpašić
- Zoran RadmilovićBrko Pilot
Details
- Released
- 15 January 1985
- Original title
- Otac na službenom putu
- Country
- Yugoslavia
- Written by
- Abdulah Sidran
Check ratings elsewhere
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When Father Was Away on Business: quick answers
Is When Father Was Away on Business worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 165 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is When Father Was Away on Business?
When Father Was Away on Business runs 136 minutes (2h 16m).
Does When Father Was Away on Business have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for When Father Was Away on Business. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
When Father Was Away on Business parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for When Father Was Away on Business yet.
Which OTT platform is When Father Was Away on Business on?
When Father Was Away on Business isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 15 January 1985. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like When Father Was Away on Business?
If you liked When Father Was Away on Business, try A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Sight, Skin.
Who directed When Father Was Away on Business?
When Father Was Away on Business (1985) was directed by Emir Kusturica and stars Moreno de Bartoli, Predrag 'Miki' Manojlović, Mirjana Karanović.