Emily Watson: A Lasting Bond with the Sarajevo Film Festival

Emily Watson's connection with the Sarajevo Film Festival is deeper than mere attendance; it’s a heartfelt journey that began in 1996, just a year after the Bosnian siege ended. Watson, who starred in Lars von Trier’s acclaimed film Breaking the Waves, was part of the festival's second edition and received her first Oscar nomination for her role in this touching story of a couple in 1970s Scotland.

Fast forward to this year, and Watson returns to Sarajevo, now accompanied by her daughter, who was just six months old during her previous visit in 2006. As the president of the feature film competition jury and an Honorary Heart recipient, Watson described the experience as surreal, particularly as her daughter witnessed the retrospective screening of Breaking the Waves alongside her. “Having my kids there to watch it… it’s really emotional,” she reflected, dedicating her honorary award to her late co-star Katrin Cartlidge, who passed away in 2002.

The festival holds a special place in Watson’s heart, not only as a beautiful destination but as a vital part of the region's healing process. She noted the festival's ethos of resistance and survival, contrasting it with the commercial focus of larger film festivals. “There’s a very, very pure feeling here,” she said, highlighting the festival's role in showcasing regional cinema, which sparks discussions and community engagement.

Festival director Jovan Marjanović echoed this sentiment, recalling how Watson won hearts with Breaking the Waves and has continued to return. Watson is now leading a jury that includes notable figures like Matthijs Wouter Knol and Athina Rachel Tsangari, evaluating an array of compelling films such as Everytime and You Don’t Belong Here.

Watson's dedication to the festival is palpable, as she emphasizes its significance in promoting local stories and strengthening community ties through cinema. She remarked on the evolution of the festival, born from the ashes of war, and its positive impact on the local economy. “It’s a big deal,” she stated, affirming her commitment to supporting Sarajevo's legacy of resilience and cultural revival.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com