Czech-Croatian co-production When the War Comes from director Jan Gebert is the first HBO Europe original documentary to be selected for the Berlin International Film Festival, premiering in the prestigious Panorama section. When the War Comes is produced by Prague-based production company PINK in co-production with HBO Europe and Hulahop Film, with the aid of Czech State Cinematography Fund. 

In his timely feature documentary Gebert portrays a leader on the rise and touches on the topical themes of nationalism and the mechanisms of power. At first glance Peter lives the life of a typical European teenager – he lives with his parents, has a pretty girlfriend, he got into college. However, an important part of his life is elsewhere – as the head of a paramilitary group called “Slovenskí branci” that recruits hundreds of Slovak teenagers with the silent approval of the authorities. The group’s goal is simple - to prepare for war time and create a model community based on military drill, obedience and fear. Peter dreams that one day he will be able to convince the entire society - as a great politician. 

When the War Comes will open the Panorama Dokumente section at the Berlin International Film Festival on Friday 16th February at 17.00. CAT&Docs are handling international sales.