Jasmila Zbanic
Jasmila Žbanić: A Prolific Filmmaker and Human Rights Advocate
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jasmila Žbanić is a Bosnian film director and screenwriter. She is often referred to by her first name, Jasmila.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 19, 1974, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jasmila Žbanić is still an active figure in the film industry today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Žbanić is a Bosnian national, and her profession is that of a filmmaker. She has worked extensively as a director, screenwriter, and producer on various projects throughout her career.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Sarajevo during the Yugoslav Wars had a profound impact on Žbanić's life and work. Her experiences and observations during this period have deeply influenced her filmmaking style and thematic choices. After completing her studies at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, Žbanić began her career in film.
Major Accomplishments
Žbanić has made significant contributions to the world of cinema with several notable films under her belt. Some of her most acclaimed works include:
_Grbavica: A Story from Sarajevo_ (2006), which won the Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
_On the Path_ (2011), a drama that premiered in competition at the Toronto International Film Festival.
These films have not only received critical acclaim but also shed light on complex social issues, such as trauma, identity, and human rights.
Notable Works or Actions
Žbanić's commitment to telling untold stories has led her to explore various themes and genres. Her films often tackle difficult subjects like war, displacement, and personal struggle. For instance:
_Notes from the Cell_ (2007), a short film that explores the lives of women in prison.
_Quo Vadis, Aida?_ (2020), an epic drama set during the Srebrenica genocide.
These works not only showcase her versatility as a filmmaker but also demonstrate her dedication to shedding light on underrepresented stories and issues.
Impact and Legacy
Žbanić's impact extends beyond her filmography. Her work has inspired countless individuals, particularly women in the film industry, to explore their own creative voices. As a woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina, she has used her platform to amplify marginalized perspectives:
She has served on various juries for international film festivals.
Žbanić has also participated in advocacy efforts, highlighting the importance of human rights in filmmaking.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jasmila Žbanić is widely recognized and quoted due to her unwavering commitment to telling powerful stories that spark meaningful conversations. Her experiences during the Yugoslav Wars have infused her work with a deep sense of empathy and understanding, making her films both personal and universally relatable.
Her contributions to cinema are not limited to her filmography; she has also become an ambassador for human rights and women's empowerment within the industry. As a result, Žbanić is remembered as a talented filmmaker who has used her voice to shed light on important issues, making a lasting impact on both audiences and fellow creatives alike.
Quotes by Jasmila Zbanic
I want to create films that will speak to different parts of our hearts and brains, stories told from a different angle.
When I go to a cinema, I don't care if the film is made by a man or a woman as long as it tells me a story, as long as it offers pictures that shed light on my existence, characters I can identify with, jokes I can laugh at.
As a child, I used to 'torture' other kids by making them be in my shows. I would sell tickets to neighbors and organize performances.
I am successful if I manage to make a film that I want and if it works emotionally for the audience and if it stays with them after the screening and means something for them. Awards or money have symbolic power.
I did go to a film school in Sarajevo. I studied film and theatre directing. There was a war raging in the country while I was studying, and we did not have neither electricity nor cinemas for three and a half years.
I have always written - since I was a kid. I might say that I am essentially a writer who is bored to be alone in the room writing. I need to have more people around me. So, I 'write' with a film camera and have a party at the same time by having a bunch of people around.
In my country, though it is very patriarchal and male-dominated, the public enjoys women-directed movies.
Always, for me, when I am dealing with subjects related to my country that are very emotional, I have to find the right tone and distance because, obviously, I start with anger, asking 'why that happened' and 'why it is still happening.' I work to rise above my personal anger but still stay connected to my emotions. That's a big challenge.
As a woman filmmaker in Bosnia, I have more privileges than disadvantages. I feel I can do more than my male colleagues with a motherly approach rather than a male approach.