The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival is set to host a retrospective of films by acclaimed director Ilya Khrzhanovskiy as part of its “Tribute to” programme, per screendaily.com. The Russia-born filmmaker, a special guest at the festival running from August 15-22, is the artistic director of the Babi Yar Holocaust Memorial Center in Kyiv.
Khrzhanovskiy is best known for his polarising “DAU” project, an immersive art and film series born from over 700 hours of footage. The project’s films, including DAU. Natasha, which won a Silver Bear at the 2020 Berlinale, have garnered both critical praise and significant controversy. The project has faced accusations of creating harmful conditions for its participants.
Last year, Khrzhanovskiy renounced his Russian citizenship after being added to a list of foreign agents by the Russian Ministry of Justice in March 2024. The festival will also showcase the next generation of talent, welcoming 63 participants to its “Talents Sarajevo” training programme, with mentors including Croatian actor Goran Bogdan and former Israel Film Fund head Katriel Schory.
•Featured image: Ilya Khrzhanovskiy/Sarajevo Film Festival
