Film by Hane Jušić God will not help Croatian Goya Award nominee

The Croatian Society of Cinematic Professionals (HDFD) has selected the film God Will Not Help (Bog neće pomoći) directed by Hana Jušić as Croatia’s candidate for the 41st Goya Award, Spain’s most prestigious cinematic honor, according to an announcement made on Monday by HDFD. The film, produced by Kinorama, was created through a co-production involving Italy, Romania, Greece, France, and Slovenia. It is a historical drama set in an isolated pastoral community in the Dinaric Alps at the beginning of the 20th century. At its core is Teresa, a Chilean woman who arrives in the village claiming to be the widow of the elder's brother, who died in a Chilean mine. Her arrival disrupts the strictly ordered relationships within the community but simultaneously opens space for change and freedom. God Will Not Help had its world premiere at the 78th International Film Festival in Locarno, where Manuela Martelli and Ana Marija Veselčić were awarded the Leopard for best acting performance in the main competitive program. The film won a Special Prize for promoting gender equality at the Sarajevo Film Festival and was shown at festivals in Thessaloniki, Sofia, Busan, Vancouver, and several other international events. In Croatia, God Will Not Help received the Golden Arena for Best Cinematography, signed by Jana Plećaš, and the Golden Arena for Best Music, composed by Stavros Evangelou, Iris Asimakopoulou, and Vasilis Chontos. Ana Marija Veselčić also won the Breeze Award for Best Debut Actress for her role as Milena. Croatia already had a film nominated for the Goya Award. Sure Place (Sigurno mjesto), directed by Juraj Lerotić in 2024, was nominated in the category of Best European Film. With its nomination for the 41st Goya Award, God Will Not Help enters the selection process for the award in the category of Best European Film. The Goya Award is presented by the Spanish Academy of Cinema Arts and Sciences, with the Best European Film category intended for European cinema productions outside of Spain. The Goya Award is the most significant national film award in Spain and is considered the Spanish equivalent of the American Oscar. It has been awarded since 1987, and since 1992, it has also been given in the category of Best European Film. The ceremony for the 41st Goya Award will take place in Madrid in February 2027. The film God Will Not Help has been recognized internationally for its storytelling and performances, with multiple awards and festival appearances highlighting its impact. Its inclusion as Croatia’s nominee for the Goya Award underscores the growing recognition of Croatian cinema on the global stage. The film’s themes of tradition, change, and personal freedom resonate with audiences and critics alike, contributing to its success in various film festivals around the world. The selection of God Will Not Help as Croatia’s entry for the Goya Award follows a pattern of recent achievements by Croatian filmmakers. Previous nominations have demonstrated the country's ability to produce high-quality cinematic works that compete with international standards. This latest nomination adds to the prestige of Croatian cinema and highlights the collaborative efforts of filmmakers from multiple countries in creating compelling narratives. The film’s journey from its debut at the Locarno Film Festival to its current status as a Goya nominee reflects the increasing visibility of European cinema beyond traditional hubs. The involvement of multiple production countries in God Will Not Help exemplifies the trend of cross-border collaborations in filmmaking, which often result in richer cultural perspectives and broader appeal. As the film moves forward in the competition for the Goya Award, it will face stiff competition from other European entries. The final decision will be made by the Spanish Academy of Cinema Arts and Sciences, whose jury evaluates each submission based on artistic merit, technical excellence, and thematic depth. The outcome of this evaluation will determine whether God Will Not Help receives one of the coveted Goya Awards in February 2027.