Jasmila Zbanic

Jasmila Žbanić is a distinguished Bosnian film director, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for her poignant storytelling that addresses the complexities of post-war trauma and human resilience. Born on December 19, 1974, in Sarajevo, she pursued her education at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo. During the Bosnian War, Žbanić worked as a puppeteer in the United States and later co-founded the artist collective Deblokada in 1997, through which she produced numerous short films and documentaries .

Her directorial debut, Grbavica (2006), won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking her as a significant voice in world cinema. Žbanić's subsequent works, including On the Path (2010) and Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020), have garnered international acclaim. Quo Vadis, Aida?, a harrowing depiction of the Srebrenica massacre, earned her nominations for the Academy Award and BAFTA awards, and won four European Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Director .

Žbanić's filmmaking is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and the socio-political landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has expressed, "What I'm trying to do with my work is to break open things that are sealed, that are under siege." Her commitment to portraying authentic human experiences continues to resonate globally, making her a pivotal figure in contemporary cinema.