Everytime best film of the 32nd Sarajevo film festival
At the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, the Austrian film 'Everytime,' directed by Sandra Wollner, won the Heart of Sarajevo award for best feature film. The Slovenian film 'Vse, kar je narobe s tabo,' written and directed by Urša Menart, was also part of the competition. The film 'Everytime' tells the story of mother Elli, her daughter Mellie, and teenager Lux, whose lives are intertwined through tragedy. Their planned family vacation to Tenerife becomes a space where past and present intertwine. In the feature film category, the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Direction went to Georgian director Ana Urushadze for 'Parallel Role.' The Heart of Sarajevo for Best Actress was awarded to Eva Kostić for her role in the Macedonian-Slovenian co-production '17,' while Adrian Vancica received the award for Best Actor for his performance in the Romanian film 'I Don't Judge You.' The jury included actress Emily Watson, director Igor Bezinović, actress Sara Klimoska, director Matthijs Wouter Knol, and director Athina Rachel Tsangari. In the documentary category, the Slovenian co-production 'Planina' by Biljana Tutor and Petra Glomazic won the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Feature Documentary. The Slovene
On August 22, 2026, the 32nd Sarajevo International Film Festival concluded with the awarding of the “Heart of Sarajevo” prize to Austrian director Sandra Wollner’s psychological drama Everytime. The ceremony took place during the festival's closing ceremonies in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the culmination of a competitive selection process that featured 51 films across various categories. Among these entries were several Slovenian minority co-productions, which received multiple awards, including recognition for best actress, best actor, and special jury prizes. Everytime, directed by Sandra Wollner, tells the story of a mother named Ellie, her daughter Mellie, and a teenager named Lux, whose lives are intertwined by tragedy. Their journey to the Canary Island of Tenerife, a planned family vacation that never actually happened, becomes a space where past and present quietly intertwine. The film was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the section Un Certain Regard, where it won acclaim for its emotional depth and nuanced storytelling. It features performances by Birgit Minichmayr, Tristan López, Lotte Shirin Keiling, and Carla Hüttermann. The film was produced as a co-production between Austria and Germany, reflecting the growing trend of international collaboration in European cinema. Sandra Wollner accepted the award for Best Actor in the category of Best Ironic Drama, delivered by the jury president, British actress Emily Watson. The jury included other notable figures such as Slovenian filmmaker Igor Bezinović, Croatian actress Sara Klimoska, director Matthijs Wouter Knol of the European Film Academy, and Greek director Athina Rachel Tsangari. In addition to Everytime, several Slovenian minority co-productions were honored throughout the festival. The film 17, directed by Macedonian filmmaker Kosara Mitić, and written by Ognjen Sviličić, won the “Heart of Sarajevo” award for Best Actress, going to Slovenian-born actress Ewa Kostić for her portrayal of a 17-year-old girl navigating adolescence. The film was praised for its raw emotion and powerful performance, with the jury noting its ability to capture the complexities of teenage life while addressing issues of gender equality and social injustice. Another Slovenian entry, Planina, a documentary co-produced by Slovenian filmmakers Biljana Tutorov and Petra Glomazić, received the “Heart of Sarajevo” award for Best Documentary Feature. The film documents the resilience of a mother and daughter in the mountainous region of Montenegro, where they proudly preserve their pastoral traditions despite the threat of NATO military installations. The documentary highlights the deep bond between generations and the enduring cultural heritage of the region. Other Slovenian co-productions also made an impact. The animated short Kozmonavti by Lea Černica and the student film Unwellness by Hungarian director Réka Pinczes were among the winners in their respective categories. Additionally, the film Nihče ni nič by Serbian director Tamara Todorović was recognized for its contribution to the “Heart of Sarajevo” competition in the category of Best Short Fiction Film. Throughout the festival, the number of films featuring Slovenian participation reached a record high, with 16 films and one series being presented across different sections. This marked a significant milestone for Slovenian filmmakers, who have increasingly been making their mark on the international stage through co-productions with countries across Europe. The Sarajevo International Film Festival has been held annually since 1995 and has established itself as one of the most prestigious film festivals in Southeast Europe. Known for its focus on independent and socially conscious cinema, the festival continues to provide a platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike. With the success of Everytime and the recognition of Slovenian co-productions, this year’s edition reinforced the festival’s role as a vital hub for cinematic innovation and cross-cultural exchange.
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