For three decades, these mothers have been on an unwavering quest for their long-lost sons, their lives haunted by the eternal question: 'What remains in the aftermath of war's ravages?' Her voice trembles as she recounts, "The relentless toll of wars in Ukraine and Palestine has stirred something deep within me, a compulsion to confront how we, as a society, have failed to forge a path towards solutions and peace. Instead, we stagnate, neglecting to flex our mental muscles for constructive thinking."
"'Quo Vadis, Aida?,' a film that premiered with accolades at the Venice Film Festival and went on to conquer international festival circuits, triumphantly claimed three prestigious European Film Awards, crowning it as the Best European Film, while its director and lead actress were equally hailed. Variety's Jessica Kiang described the narrative as a profoundly gripping, soul-wrenching drama that not only exposes the macabre realities of a massacre but also poignantly reminds us that amidst the 8,372 grim tallies, lies a staggering multitude of individual lives, each a terrifying multiplication of horror."
Speaking to Variety the day after sweeping the Heart of Sarajevo TV Awards with 'I Know Your Soul,' a crime thriller co-crafted by the esteemed Berlinale Golden Bear winner Žbanić and Damir Ibrahimović, the filmmaker's triumph echoed a poignant moment for the Bosnian film industry. Amidst rumors of state-backed BH Telecom's intent to slash funding for TV support initiatives, Žbanić's celebration was imbued with a sense of urgency.
"This victory feels both exquisite and uniquely poignant," she enthused, "arriving at a pivotal juncture for our industry. Just as we embarked on this funding journey and saw 'I Know Your Soul' premier outside competition at Venice, followed by its triumphant sale to HBO and ARTE, marking an unparalleled success for BH Telecom. Yet, the new director remains oblivious to the significance of cinema, images, culture, and identity—pillars that sustain our narrative and soul."
Žbanić delved into her exhilarating experience of helming an episode in the maiden season of HBO's smash hit video game adaptation, "The Last of Us," portraying it as a "serene yet profound journey...a cherished part of the expansive canvas" crafted by HBO and its visionary showrunner, Craig Mazin. She also teased the horizon with whispers of "multiple endeavors" brewing with American collaborators, each poised to take flight soon. "Some are gestating in creative crucibles, others seeking financial wings, while a few are on the hunt for the perfect cast," she shared, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "These endeavors hold a special allure, as they diverge vastly from my usual creative pursuits here."
The Bosnian auteur analogized navigating the studio system to "embarking on a doctoral journey," musing, "I've come to realize the art of not fusing two distinct paradigms—two worlds of thought. When I embarked on 'The Last of Us,' it was evident that they sought not a European director as a token, but as a catalyst to enrich their vision. If I had imposed my European mindset, where the director reigns supreme, it would have been a misstep. This realm demands a different rhythm."
Furthermore, Žbanić unveiled that she's immersed in the post-production throes of a documentary titled "Blum," a testament to the Jewish Bosnian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Emerik Blum. As she and her producing team strive to secure a modest infusion of funds to secure the rights to the footage, the film's narrative unfolds. Blum, the founder and helm of Energoinvest, an engineering and energy behemoth that dominated Eastern Europe's corporate landscape, transformed the socialist landscape with a "purely capitalist stroke." "This is the tale of a CEO who revolutionized the socialist framework," Žbanić elaborated, "by weaving a capitalist tapestry within his company's DNA. The revolutionary aspect? Profits flowed to the workers, who in turn received apartments, healthcare, education—a myriad of blessings, all at no cost. It was a project of unparalleled magnanimity."
The Bosnian multi-talented auteur likened her experience navigating the studio system to embarking on a doctoral journey, eloquently stating, "I've come to realize that blending two disparate systems—two philosophical mindsets—is a recipe for confusion. When I embarked on 'The Last of Us,' it dawned on me that they weren't seeking a European director to flaunt, but to enrich their creative vision. If I had imposed my European sensibility, where the director reigns supreme, it would have been a disastrous collision of cultures. This system simply doesn't operate that way."
Furthermore, the director unveiled that she's currently immersed in the post-production phase of a documentary titled 'Blum,' a testament to the life of Jewish Bosnian businessman and philanthropist, Emerik Blum. As she and her producing team strive to secure minimal funding to clear the rights for the footage, 'Blum' promises to shed light on the extraordinary tale of a man who dared to defy conventions.
Žbanić passionately narrates, "This is a narrative of a CEO who revolutionized the socialist landscape by embracing a purely capitalist ethos in managing his empire, Energoinvest. In stark contrast to modern-day corporations, Blum's company channeled profits towards the workers, granting them apartments, healthcare, education—a utopian existence, all at no cost. It was a groundbreaking endeavor that defied all odds."
She emphasizes the timeliness of Blum's unconventional approach, asserting, "This narrative challenges the monolithic narrative of socialism, reminding us that alternatives to capitalism do exist and have thrived. It's time we revisit and reassess the possibilities that have proven effective."
