Blum – Masters of their own destiny
Directed by: Jasmila Žbanić
Written by: Zoran Solomun, Jasmila Žbanić
Cinematography: Eldar Emrić
Editing: Vladimir Gojun
Sound: Igor Čamo
Producers: Damir Ibrahimović, Jasmila Žbanić
Production: Deblokada
Festivals: Zagreb dox, Directors fortnight MoMa, Jü dischen Film Festival Berlin Brandenburg Bosnian- Herzegovinian Film Festival (BHFF)
After WWII, in rural Bosnia and Herzegovina, entrepreneur Emerik Blum built “Energoinvest,” a global company with billion-dollar profits. Leveraging Yugoslavia’s unique position between East and West, it thrived under a self-management model where workers shared in decisions and profits. Through interviews and archives, the film portrays Blum’s visionary leadership, whose methods now seem like science fiction.
Jasmila Žbanić graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, Department for theater and film directing. In 1997., together with her friends, she founded Artist’s Association “Deblokada”. Her feature film Grbavica, awarded with Golden Bear on Berlinale 2006, Best film at American film Institute (AFI)… Quo Vadis, Aida? premiered at competition of Venice Film Festival, and besides multiple other awards, this movie received Independent Spirit Awards for Best International Film, European Film Award for best movie, director and main actress, as well as nominations for USA Academy Awards, Oscar in the category Best International Feature Film, and two BAFTA Awards. She directed one episode of acclaimed HBO TV show THE LAST OF US. Venice film festival presented her TV show I KNOW YOUR SOUL in 2023