Jasmila Žbanić plans a sequel to her acclaimed film Quo Vadis, Aida?, exploring war’s aftermath.
Renowned Bosnian filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić is developing a sequel to her Oscar-nominated film Quo Vadis, Aida?, according to an exclusive report from Variety.
The original film, which was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, is a harrowing depiction of the Srebrenica massacre during the Bosnian War.
The sequel will delve into the aftermath of the war and its lasting impact on those who lived through it.
Speaking at the Sarajevo Film Festival, Žbanić revealed that the new film will explore the consequences of the Bosnian War, particularly focusing on the women left behind.
She was inspired to highlight how these women, many of whom were housewives or peasants, united against political obstacles to seek justice and closure for their lost loved ones.
Žbanić emphasized the importance of confronting the past, a stance that contrasts with political efforts to move on from the war without addressing the atrocities committed.
Although Žbanić was tight-lipped about specific plot details, she mentioned that the story will resonate with the ongoing struggles in places like Ukraine and Palestine.
For her, the film is not just about revisiting the tragedy of Srebrenica, but also about examining how societies deal with the long-term effects of war.
Žbanić’s original film, Quo Vadis, Aida?, received widespread critical acclaim, winning multiple European Film Awards and making a profound impact at festivals worldwide.
In addition to the sequel, Žbanić is currently working on several other projects, including the post-production of a documentary on Jewish Bosnian businessman Emerik Blum.
She is also involved in various international collaborations, having directed an episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, an experience she described as rewarding and educational.
The Sarajevo Film Festival, where Žbanić made her announcement, runs from August 16 to 23.
