About the Director

Zoran Dragelj is a filmmaker and actor whose work centers on character-driven storytelling and grounded emotional experiences. In Friends Like These, Dragelj not only directs but also appears on screen, reflecting an independent, hands-on approach to filmmaking. His style leans toward naturalistic dialogue and relationship-focused narratives that explore friendship, vulnerability, and transitional life moments. Through intimate settings and small ensemble casts, Dragelj captures the tension between support and self-destruction, allowing personal dynamics to shape the story’s direction.

Film Synopsis

Friends Like These follows Sal, a young man struggling after the collapse of a relationship. In an effort to lift his spirits, his two best friends rent a house on an island getaway. What begins as a supportive retreat quickly turns into nights of heavy drinking, emotional confrontations, and mild debauchery. Set against the backdrop of Bowen Island in British Columbia, the film explores friendship, coping mechanisms, and the blurred line between healing and avoidance. Through a mix of humor and drama, it reflects on how even well-intentioned support can spiral into chaos.

Director’s Statement

Zoran Dragelj describes Friends Like These as a true labor of love and a collaborative mentorship project developed alongside emerging Vancouver talent. His creative vision embraced a naturalistic, minimalist style designed to reflect the everyday realities and emotional hardships of friendship. Staying true to his signature “documusic” approach, Dragelj incorporated original independent music from Canadian artists such as Harlequin Gold and Jenny Banai to deepen the film’s atmosphere and authenticity. At its core, the film explores emotional resilience examining how friends attempt to lift someone out of a personal slump, even when their well-intentioned efforts spiral into messy confrontation and excess.

Awards & Recognition

Kansas City Film Festival (2019): Runner-up for the Cinematography Award.

Universe Multicultural Film Festival (2019): Selected for its World Premiere in Los Angeles.

Foreman Empire Productions International Film Festival (2020): Nominated in multiple categories, including Best Feature, International Feature, Soundtrack, and Ensemble.

IMDb Spotlight Filmmaker (2022): Received an Honorable Mention. 

The film is currently available to stream on Apple TV and Prime Video