Highlights from the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival: Best Film and Director Announced

The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival has concluded with notable achievements, most prominently the Honorary Heart for Best Narrative Feature Film awarded to Sandra Wollner's 'Everytime.' The prestigious recognition was announced during a ceremony at the National Theatre on Friday night, where the international jury, led by actress Emily Watson, revealed their selections.

'Everytime,' produced by Lixi Frank, Viktoria Stolpe, and David Bohun, follows a mother and her children trying to navigate the grief of losing their eldest daughter. The film not only captured the jury's attention but also won a cash prize of 16,000 Euros. The jury praised the film's ethereal narrative, describing it as a “mesmerically elastic and transcendental grief-soaked ghost story.”

In a touching moment, Emir Hadžihafizbegović, a celebrated figure in Bosnian cinema, received an Honorary Heart for his contributions to film. The festival closed with a screening of Danis Tanović's restored classic 'No Man’s Land.'

Ana Urushadze from Georgia was recognized as Best Director for 'Supporting Role,' earning 10,000 Euros for her next project. The film centers on an aging film star resisting an unconventional role offered by a young director, leading him to confront the nature of reality. Urushadze expressed her film’s theme as a journey toward self-empowerment and acceptance.

The Best Actress award went to Eva Kostić for her compelling performance in '17,' while Adrian Văncică won Best Actor for 'You Don’t Belong Here.' Each received a prize of 2,500 Euros for their noteworthy portrayals.

In documentary categories, 'To Hold a Mountain' by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić claimed the Heart of Sarajevo award, while Karla Jelić's 'Holy Defiance' was honored as the best short documentary, showcasing powerful narratives that resonated with audiences.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com