Zbanic had a prior appearance at El Gouna Film Festival in 2020 with her film 'Quo Vadis, Aida?,' which secured the Gold Star Award for Best Film.
El Gouna Film Festival has appointed Bosnian film director and screenwriter Jasmila Zbanic as the President of the Feature Narrative Competition jury of the forthcoming sixth edition, scheduled to run from October 13 to 20, 2023.
Zbanic is a graduate of Sarajevo’s Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she honed her skills as a director and screenwriter. “Her cinematic journey has been nothing short of remarkable, characterised by a plethora of awards, accolades, and international recognition,” said GFF.
Among her most notable achievements is her feature debut, Grbavica, which earned her the Golden Bear at the 2006 Berlinale, along with the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Peace Prize. The film’s nomination for Best Film and Best Actress at the European Film Awards solidified Zbanic’s status as a rising star in the industry.
Zbanic continued to impress with her second feature, On the Path, which premiered at the 2010 Berlinale and received accolades such as the Filmkunst Festival Schwerin Award for Best Director and the Golden Apricot IFF Yerevan FIPRESCI Prize. Her third feature, For Those Who Can Tell No Tales, made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and received the 2013 Femme de Cinema Award at Les Arcs European Film Festival.
In recent years, Jasmila Zbanic’s talent has shone brightly on the international stage with her critically acclaimed film Quo Vadis, Aida? The movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival and achieved remarkable success, including winning the El Gouna Gold Star for Best Film in the Feature Narrative Competition at the 2020 GFF, the European Film Award for Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Actress. It also garnered nominations for the Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best International Feature Film category and two BAFTA Awards.
Throughout her career, Zbanic has demonstrated her creativity in various forms, including documentaries and short films, all of which have received recognition and acclaim at prestigious festivals worldwide.
Zbanic’s journey is marked by her commitment to the art of filmmaking and her dedication to highlighting essential human stories on the global stage. Her films have resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her numerous awards and a reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
In addition to her contributions to the world of cinema, Zbanic has made her mark in the realm of art exhibitions, showcasing her creative vision at renowned events such as Manifesta 3, the Istanbul Biennial, Kunsthalle Fridericianum Kassel, and the New Museum in New York.
Intishal Al Timimi, Festival Director of GFF, added: “Her outstanding contributions to the world of cinema and her unwavering commitment to storytelling make her an exemplary choice to lead this competition. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jasmila for accepting the invitation to join the Jury. Her expertise and passion will undoubtedly enrich the festival’s mission to celebrate the art of filmmaking.”
