Jasmila Žbanić’s new project: A sequel to ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’
Revisiting the Bosnian War’s aftermath
Renowned filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić is set to create a sequel to her poignant war drama, Quo Vadis, Aida?. This film, which was a contender for the best international feature film at the 93rd Academy Awards, delves deep into the tragic events of the 1990s Bosnian War. Žbanić shared her vision for the sequel during a recent appearance at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
The untold stories of Bosnian women
Žbanić’s original film follows a Bosnian UN translator, portrayed by Jasna Đuričić, who is caught between her family and her duty during the Srebrenica massacre. This horrific event saw the slaughter of over 8,000 civilians, predominantly Muslim men and boys, marking the worst mass killing on European soil since World War II. The sequel aims to explore the aftermath of this genocide and the broader consequences of the war, particularly focusing on the women left behind.
“There is really something that I need to talk about,” Žbanić said, “which is how these women after the war united — they were mostly peasants, housewives — and they united and broke all obstacles that Bosnian politicians, European politicians, world politicians were putting in front of them.”
The relentless search for justice
After the Dayton Peace Accords ended the Bosnian War, many political figures wanted to move forward without addressing the past atrocities. However, the women who lost their loved ones were determined to find their sons and seek justice. Žbanić emphasized that the film is not just about Srebrenica but also about the present times we live in.
“For 30 years, these women are searching for their sons. What is there after [war]?” she pondered. “This is something that is bothering me so much, and I was so triggered by the war in Ukraine and Palestine, that I feel we have to talk about how… we are not building our muscles to think about solutions and peace.”
A critical success and a new direction
Quo Vadis, Aida? premiered at the Venice Film Festival and garnered accolades worldwide, including three European Film Awards. The film was praised for its compelling and heartbreaking portrayal of the massacre’s human impact. Žbanić’s ability to highlight individual stories within the broader context of the tragedy resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Triumph at the Heart of Sarajevo TV Awards
Žbanić’s recent success extends beyond cinema. Her crime drama series, I Know Your Soul, co-created with Damir Ibrahimović, swept the Heart of Sarajevo TV Awards, winning seven awards. The series, which has been acquired by HBO Max for Central and Eastern Europe, showcases Žbanić’s versatility and storytelling prowess.
“It’s an unbelievable success for [BH Telecom],” Žbanić remarked. “But the new director doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand the importance of films and images and culture and identity.”
Expanding horizons with HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’
Žbanić also directed an episode of HBO’s acclaimed video-game adaptation, The Last of Us. She described the experience as a “beautiful” opportunity to contribute to a larger vision. Working within the studio system was a learning experience for her, highlighting the differences between European and American filmmaking approaches.
“If I bring my European way of thinking, where the director is God, I would be fucked. This doesn’t work [in the studio system],” she explained.
Upcoming projects and a documentary on Emerik Blum
Žbanić is currently in post-production on a documentary about Emerik Blum, a Jewish Bosnian businessman and philanthropist. Blum was the founder and CEO of Energoinvest, a major conglomerate in Eastern Europe. The documentary explores Blum’s innovative approach to running his company, blending socialist and capitalist principles to benefit workers.
“The difference with companies now is that the profit was going to the workers, and the workers would get apartments for free, healthcare, education — everything for free, which was an incredible project,” Žbanić noted.
Reflecting on alternative economic models
Žbanić believes Blum’s story is particularly relevant today as it challenges the traditional narrative of socialism and capitalism. She hopes the documentary will encourage viewers to consider alternative economic models that prioritize the well-being of workers.
“We are told there are no alternatives [to capitalism], but let’s check the alternative that worked,” she added.
The Sarajevo Film Festival, where Žbanić shared these insights, runs from August 16 to 23. As she continues to push boundaries and tell powerful stories, Žbanić remains a vital voice in contemporary cinema and television.
For more information on Quo Vadis, Aida?, you can watch the trailer here.
For those interested in I Know Your Soul, check out the trailer here.
And for fans of The Last of Us, the trailer is available here.