The recent 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival culminated in a grand celebration of cinematic artistry, with Sandra Wollner's poignant film 'Everytime' seizing the coveted Honorary Heart for the Best Narrative Feature. Ana Urushadze was also distinguished as Best Director for her compelling work on 'Supporting Role.' This year's festival, steeped in a rich history of resilience and artistic dedication, showcased a diverse array of talent across various categories, emphasizing compelling narratives and outstanding performances that resonated deeply with the jury and audiences alike.
Sarajevo Festival's Acclaimed Winners Highlight Global Film Talent
On the evening of Friday, August 22, 2026, the venerable National Theatre of Sarajevo became the focal point for the closing ceremonies of the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival. Presided over by a distinguished jury, including Igor Bezinović, Sara Klimoska, Matthijs Wouter Knol, and Athina Rachel Tsangari, under the leadership of Emily Watson, the event honored a multitude of filmmakers and actors for their contributions to cinema.
Austrian director Sandra Wollner's 'Everytime,' a profound exploration of grief and family dynamics, was awarded the prestigious Honorary Heart for Best Narrative Feature Film, securing a prize of 16,000 Euros. The film, which follows a mother and her children grappling with loss on a trip to Tenerife, was lauded by the jury as a "mesmerically elastic and transcendental grief-soaked ghost story." Wollner reflected on the festival's unique atmosphere, noting its powerful historical context rooted in the 1995 siege, which she felt fostered a different approach to themes of trauma and loss in cinematic discussion.
Georgian filmmaker Ana Urushadze was celebrated as Best Director for 'Supporting Role,' earning 10,000 Euros for her next creative endeavor. Her film tells the story of Niaz Ninua, a seasoned Georgian actor who finds renewed purpose in a challenging new role. Urushadze described her work as being about "realizing the elusive nature of reality and taking control of your life," a sentiment echoed by the jury who praised her "irreverent blending of the banal and the oneiric."
Acting accolades were also distributed, with Eva Kostić receiving Best Actress for her "fearless emergence" in '17,' accompanied by a 2,500 Euro prize. Adrian Văncică was recognized as Best Actor for his "tenacity and understated rigor" in 'You Don’t Belong Here,' also receiving 2,500 Euros.
The documentary section, judged by Kamal Aljafari, Sabine Gebetsroither, and Ollie Huddleston, saw 'To Hold a Mountain' by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić take home the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Documentary Feature, along with 4,000 Euros. The jury was captivated by its "astonishingly epic cinematography" and its touching portrayal of individuals striving to preserve a way of life.
Karla Jelić of Croatia was awarded Best Short Documentary Film for 'Holy Defiance,' receiving 2,000 Euros for her "powerful film" that bravely confronts resurgent misogyny. Additionally, Zhora Papoian's 'The Ferry Flows' earned a Special Jury Award and 2,500 Euros for its narrative power in depicting the impact of grief and loss.
The festival concluded with a special screening of a restored version of Danis Tanović’s 'No Man’s Land,' capping off an event that once again highlighted the vibrant and resilient spirit of global independent cinema.
The Sarajevo Film Festival continues to stand as a beacon for cinematic expression, offering a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their visions. This year's awardees, with their diverse storytelling and profound thematic explorations, exemplify the festival's enduring commitment to artistic excellence and its role in fostering crucial conversations through the medium of film. The recognition of films like 'Everytime' and 'Supporting Role,' alongside other noteworthy productions, underscores the dynamic landscape of contemporary cinema and its capacity to reflect, question, and inspire.