The Eight Session
Season 1
Created by: Svetlana Janićijević
Network: RTS 1
Season aired: 2017-10-03
Overview
A gripping two-part documentary miniseries about the political struggle that changed the course of Serbia and Yugoslavia. Through rare archival footage, live broadcasts from the historic Eighth Session of the Serbian Communist Party in 1987, and testimonies from key participants more than 30 years later, the series examines the rise of Slobodan Milošević and his dramatic split with mentor and ally Ivan Stambolić. Why did Stambolić insist that Milošević succeed him as leader of the Serbian communists? How did the Kosovo crisis, internal Party conflicts, and a series of explosive events push Yugoslavia toward a historic turning point? Featuring politicians, journalists, and historians who witnessed the events firsthand, the series reveals the ambitions, betrayals, and power struggles behind one of the most consequential moments in modern Balkan history.
Episodes · 2
Birth of a Leader
How did Slobodan Milošević become the dominant figure in Serbian politics? The first episode explores the political tensions, Party conflicts, and Kosovo crisis that fueled his rapid rise to power, while revealing why his mentor Ivan Stambolić believed he was the right man to lead Serbia.
War of Comrades
As the conflict between Milošević and Stambolić reaches its breaking point, the historic Eighth Session of 1987 becomes a decisive political showdown. Through archival footage and firsthand testimonies, the episode uncovers the betrayals, power struggles, and crucial decisions that changed the future of Serbia and Yugoslavia.
