At this year’s Heart of Sarajevo awards for TV Series, the Bosnian drama “I Know Your Soul” emerged as the shining star of the event. The series, consisting of six gripping episodes, managed to clinch an impressive seven wins across various drama categories. Written by the talented Oscar-nominated Bosnian filmmaker Jasmila Žbanic, known for her work on “Quo Vadis, Aida?”, the show secured accolades for Best Drama, Best Script, Best Directing, and several acting categories within the drama genre. Notably, Žbanic herself was awarded for Best Script in a Drama Series, while Nermin Hamzagić scooped the prize for Best Directing in the drama category.
Starring the remarkable Jasna Đuričić in the lead role, “I Know Your Soul” follows the story of Nervena, a prosecutor navigating the challenges of divorce and single motherhood. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she delves into the investigation of a teenager’s suicide, setting off a chain of events that affect both her personal and professional spheres. With a captivating storyline and powerful performances, the series has garnered critical acclaim and audience praise alike.
In addition to Đuričić’s win for Best Actress in a Drama Series, other cast members such as Jelena Kordić Kuret and Mirvad Kurić secured awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor in the drama category, respectively. The late Serbian actor Žarko Laušević was posthumously honored with the Best Actor award for his role in the poignant World War I drama “Time of Death.” Laušević’s portrayal left a lasting impact, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.
Moving into the realm of comedy, Bosnian series “Smashing It” and Serbian series “Radio Mileva” each claimed three awards, with the former snagging Best Comedy, Best Actor in a Comedy for Alen Muratović, and Best Script in a Comedy. On the other hand, “Radio Mileva” saw Olga Odanović being recognized as the Best Actress in a Comedy, while Elmir Jukić took home the prize for Best Directing in a Comedy. Kris Gavrić from “Radio Mileva” was honored with the Rising Star award in the comedy category, showcasing emerging talent in the industry.
The Heart of Sarajevo Awards considered entries from drama series and comedies originating from countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Slovenia. Premiered between April 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, these shows showcased the richness and diversity of storytelling in the region. A jury comprising seasoned film and TV professionals meticulously evaluated the entries and selected the nominees and eventual winners through an electronic voting process, ensuring fairness and credibility in the awards selection.
The Heart of Sarajevo Awards for TV Series serves as a platform to honor outstanding talent and celebrate the vibrant storytelling traditions of the region. Through compelling narratives, captivating performances, and skilled direction, these series have captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying their place in the television landscape. As the industry continues to evolve and diversify, events like these play a crucial role in recognizing and promoting excellence in television production, paving the way for future generations of storytellers and artists.